Spoken English phrase
What does “up to…” mean?
'Up to' has several common meanings. It can mean 'until', 'as much as', or 'someone decides', and in fixed phrases the whole expression can change meaning.
When people say it
- Maximum amount or number: "Up to 10 people can join."
- Until a time or point: "I'll be busy up to Friday." / "Up to now, it's been fine."
- Choice or responsibility: "It's up to you." / "It's up to the manager."
- Fixed phrases: "What have you been up to?" = what have you been doing recently; "I'll make it up to you." = I will make up for it.
Tone: Usually neutral and everyday; "What are you up to?" can sound friendly or a little suspicious, depending on tone.
Careful: Do not give every 'up to' the same meaning. 'Up to 10' means a maximum, 'up to Friday' means until Friday, and 'It's up to you' means you decide.
In 4 of Lin's scenes
Real lines from the scenes. Open one to watch it and say it yourself.
Up to you. My grandpa eats forty!Eating dumplings · Intermediate
Bold claim. Then maybe you can make it up to me next week?Ending a date · Advanced
Thanks, I really appreciate it. I'll make it up to you—coffee's on me.Leaving a party early · Advanced
Then you're in luck—I can sort the gear; the graceful part's still up to you.Renting ski gear · Advanced
Shadow
Line by line
Lin
Up to you. My grandpa eats forty!
Lin
Bold claim. Then maybe you can make it up to me next week?
Lin
Thanks, I really appreciate it. I'll make it up to you—coffee's on me.
Other ways to say it
at most
Close to 'up to' for numbers and limits, and a bit more exact.
until
Close when 'up to' means a time limit, but not for choice or responsibility.
It's your call.
Close to 'Up to you', and a little more casual.
Quick answers
Does "up to 10" include 10?
Yes. It normally means any number from 0 to 10, including 10.
Is "What are you up to?" always suspicious?
No. Very often it is just a friendly way to ask what someone is doing. Tone can make it sound suspicious.