Differences between be up to and make up to
Be up to means to be doing something, often something that may be considered wrong or mischievous, while make up to means to try to make amends or gain favor with someone.
Meanings and Definitions: be up to vs make up to
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Be up to
- 1Be good enough.
He's not UP TO the job; get someone else.
- 2Doing something naughty or wrong.
What are those kids UP TO?
Make up to
- 1Increase a sum received to a higher figure.
The charity collected £ 24,517.57, and the anonymous donor MADE the total UP TO £ 25,000'
Usage Examples: be up to, make up to in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
be up to
Example
What are you up to this weekend?
Example
She is up to something, but I can't figure out what.
make up to
Example
The company made up to the required amount by adding extra funds.
Example
She makes up to the target by contributing her own savings.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Be up to
To plan or plot something, often something that may be considered deceitful or underhanded.
Example
I have a feeling he's scheming something, but I don't know what it is yet.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Make up to
To express regret or remorse for one's actions or words.
Example
He knew he had made a mistake and wanted to apologize to his friend for what he had said.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “be”
Phrasal Verbs with “make”
Phrasal Verbs with “up to”
Differences in be up to vs make up to: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: be up to or make up to?
In daily conversation, people use be up to more often than make up to. This is because be up to is used to describe what someone is currently doing, whereas make up to is used less frequently and in specific situations where someone wants to apologize or gain favor with someone else.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of be up to and make up to
Be up to and make up to are both informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of be up to and make up to
The tone of be up to and make up to can differ based on context. Be up to often carries a mischievous or secretive tone, while make up to typically has a conciliatory or apologetic tone.
be up to & make up to: Synonyms and Antonyms
Be up to
Synonyms
- competent
- engaged in
- involved in
- capable of
- able to
- qualified for
Antonyms
- unqualified
- incompetent
- incapable of
- unable to
