ENGLISH
REFERENCE

up to 60 miles per hour

prep. phr..
B1 Intermediate Oxford

prep. phr.. a phrase used to show the highest possible speed something can reach.

prep. phr.. a prepositional phrase indicating a maximum limit or threshold for velocity, where 'up to' functions as a multi-word preposition of limit.


SIMPLE

The wind can blow up to 60 miles per hour.

CONTEXTUAL

On this stretch of the highway, cars are allowed to drive up to 60 miles per hour.

COMPLEX

The new electric motor is capable of reaching speeds of up to 60 miles per hour in under four seconds.

Usage

used to describe a maximum limit; the actual speed might be lower but cannot be higher.

Teaching tip

focus on 'up to' as a marker of a ceiling or limit; it is frequently used in advertisements and technical specifications to show potential performance.

Pitfall

The car goes up 60 miles per hour.The car goes up to 60 miles per hour.the preposition 'to' is essential to indicate the limit; without it, the phrase is grammatically incomplete.

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