# give up to

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

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

## Definition

to spend a specific amount of time or effort on an activity. You use this when you decide to dedicate your resources to a task or person.

For teachers: to devote or dedicate a specific quantity of time, energy, or resources to a particular pursuit or recipient; often used in the context of sacrifice or formal commitment.

## Examples

- I give up to four hours a day to my studies.
- The volunteers give up to ten hours of their weekends to help at the local animal shelter.
- Despite his demanding corporate schedule, the CEO continues to give up to twenty percent of his annual income to various charitable foundations supporting urban education.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He gives up to his work all his time." but "He gives up all his time to his work." — the direct object (the resource being given) should typically precede the prepositional phrase 'to [recipient]'.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by a measurement of time or money and the preposition 'to' before the recipient or activity.
- Teaching tip: distinguish this from the more common 'give up' (stop doing something); here, 'up to' often functions as a quantifier meaning 'as much as' within the phrasal structure of 'give to'.

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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.