# be up to

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/be-up-to
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to be doing something, especially something secret or bad.

For teachers: to be occupied with or engaged in an activity; frequently carries a pragmatic implication of mischief, secrecy, or illicit behavior.

## Examples

- What are you up to this weekend?
- The children are very quiet, which usually means they are up to no good.
- The investigative journalist spent months trying to discover what the corporation was actually up to behind closed doors.

## Pitfalls

- Not "What are you up to do?" but "What are you up to?" — the phrase functions as a complete predicate; you do not need to add the verb 'do' after it.

## Usage notes

- often used in questions to ask about plans or in the phrase 'up to no good'.
- Teaching tip: note that this phrase has multiple senses; focus on the 'doing/planning' sense first before introducing the 'be capable of' or 'be the responsibility of' senses.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.