is up to

USAGE SUMMARY

"is up to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express that someone has the freedom or authority to make a decision, like: "The decision of what to do next is up to you."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Know what your pet is up to!

WikiHow

That is up to you".

The New York Times

That is up to national regulators.

The New York Times

Now he is up to 50 words.

The New York Times

Now it is up to their leaders.

The Economist

"It is up to the downloader".

The New York Times

Who is up to such a challenge?

The New York Times

Instead, it is up to us.

The Economist

The challenge is up to our boys.

Independent

The next move is up to Sprint.

The New York Times

So it is up to the courts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is up to", clearly define who or what is being referred to, avoiding ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "It is up to them", specify "The decision is up to the shareholders".

Common error

Avoid assuming that "is up to" implies absolute authority or capability. Sometimes, even when someone has the responsibility, they might lack the resources or support needed to fulfill it. For instance, saying "Change "is up to Pakistanis themselves"" doesn't negate the need for external aid or structural reforms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is up to" primarily functions as a predicate adjective indicating responsibility, capability, or proximity. Ludwig examples show it assigning agency ("It "is up to me now"") or describing someone's activities (“Know what your pet "is up to"!”). According to Ludwig, "is up to" is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is up to" is a versatile expression used to assign responsibility, indicate capability, or describe ongoing activities. According to Ludwig, the expression is correct and usable in written English. As seen in the examples provided by Ludwig, it appears frequently in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts and is considered to have a neutral register. Remember to clearly define the subject when using "is up to" to avoid ambiguity. While seemingly straightforward, be mindful of overstating the level of authority or capability implied by the phrase, recognizing that external factors may influence outcomes. Overall, "is up to" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that provides a clear indication of responsibility or agency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is the responsibility of

Directly states who holds the responsibility, providing a clearer attribution of accountability.

rests with

Indicates that the decision or responsibility belongs to someone, shifting the focus from capability to accountability.

lies with

Similar to "rests with", emphasizing where the power or decision-making authority is located.

depends on

Highlights the conditional nature of a situation, where the outcome is contingent on someone's actions or decisions.

is in charge of

Highlights the leadership or management role someone has over a particular task or situation.

is incumbent upon

Emphasizes a duty or obligation, suggesting a more formal and binding responsibility.

is within the purview of

Indicates that something falls under someone's authority or scope of control.

is capable of

Focuses on the ability or potential to perform an action, rather than the responsibility.

is down to

A more informal way of saying something is someone's responsibility or decision, often used in British English.

is close to

Indicates a state of nearness or proximity, differing from the sense of responsibility or ability.

FAQs

How can I use "is up to" in a sentence?

You can use "is up to" to indicate responsibility or choice. For example, "The final decision "is up to the individual"" or "What happens next "is up to us"".

What does "is up to" mean?

The phrase "is up to" means that someone has the responsibility, capability, or right to make a decision or take action. It can also indicate that someone is currently engaged in doing something, as in "What "is he up to"?".

Which is correct, "it is up to me" or "it's up to me"?

Both "it is up to me" and "it's up to me" are grammatically correct. "It's" is simply the contracted form of "it is". The choice depends on the desired level of formality.

What can I say instead of "it "is up to us""?

Alternatives include "it rests with us", "it depends on us", or "we are responsible". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.