up to here

USAGE SUMMARY

"up to here" is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It is used to indicate the point to which the speaker has been talking or the action they have been describing. For example, "I've been telling you about my vacation up to here - now I'll tell you about the rest of my trip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I've had it up to here".

The New York Times

What's she up to here?

The Guardian - Sport

What have you been up to here.

The Guardian - Sport

They've got it up to here.

The New York Times

We've had it up to here.

The Guardian

What is Doris Lessing up to here?

The New York Times - Books

I've paid all my taxes up to here.

The Guardian - Sport

Back up to here — please find the word "here" here.

The New Yorker

"We've had it up to here," he said.

The New York Times

Anybody else out there up to here with the voiceover?

The New York Times

He had "had it up to here" with teenage drivel.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "up to here" to indicate a limit, consider accompanying it with a physical gesture, such as holding your hand at neck level, to enhance the meaning and make it more vivid for your audience.

Common error

Be mindful that "up to here" relies on shared context and can be ambiguous without a clear reference point. Ensure the listener or reader understands what 'here' refers to, whether it's a physical level or a figurative limit, or make it evident by clarifying in the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "up to here" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the extent or degree to which something has been experienced or tolerated. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. It often accompanies expressions of frustration or being overwhelmed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

4%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "up to here" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey being overwhelmed or having reached a limit. While the examples from Ludwig are primarily sourced from news and media, it is essential to note that the register is generally informal. Consider using more formal alternatives in professional or academic writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is used to emphatically communicate a point of exasperation. To enhance clarity, a physical gesture, such as holding your hand at neck level, can be paired with the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fed up with it

Directly expresses a feeling of annoyance and discontent.

had it up to my eyeballs

A more figurative way of expressing being overwhelmed.

can't take it anymore

Highlights the inability to endure a situation further.

sick and tired of

A more emphatic way of saying one is weary and exasperated.

reached my limit

Emphasizes the idea of a personal boundary being reached.

reached the breaking point

Implies a critical limit has been surpassed, leading to potential collapse.

had enough

A simpler and more direct way to express being fed up or reaching a limit.

can't handle it

Expresses an inability to manage or cope with a situation.

at the end of my rope

Suggests a state of desperation and exhaustion.

reached saturation point

Indicates that no more can be added or tolerated.

FAQs

What does it mean to say I've had it "up to here"?

Saying you've had it "up to here" means you're overwhelmed, fed up, or have reached your limit with something. It often implies a strong feeling of frustration or exasperation.

How can I use the phrase "up to here" in a sentence?

You can use "up to here" to express that you've reached your limit with something. For example, "I've had it "had enough" with the constant noise!" or "We're "fed up with it" with these delays."

What are some alternative ways to say "up to here"?

Alternatives include phrases like "reached my limit", "can't take it anymore", or "fed up with it". The best choice depends on the specific context and the emotion you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "up to here" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "up to here" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's best to use more precise and professional alternatives like "reached the limit" or "exhausted all options".