Differences between be out to and be up to
Be out to means to have a specific intention or goal, often with a negative connotation, while be up to means to be doing something, often with a neutral or positive connotation.
Meanings and Definitions: be out to vs be up to
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Be out to
- 1Attempt.
She IS OUT TO get him sacked because she hates him.
Be up to
- 1Be good enough.
He's not UP TO the job; get someone else.
- 2Doing something naughty or wrong.
What are those kids UP TO?
Usage Examples: be out to, be up to in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
be out to
Example
They are out to win the championship this year.
Example
He is out to prove everyone wrong.
be up to
Example
What are you up to this weekend?
Example
She is up to something, but I can't figure out what.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Be out to
have it in for
To have a strong dislike or animosity towards someone and intend to harm them.
Example
I think my boss has it in for me. He always gives me the worst assignments.
be after
To pursue or seek something, often with a negative intention.
Example
I think he's after my job. He keeps trying to undermine me in front of the boss.
have a bone to pick
To have a complaint or grievance with someone and intend to confront them about it.
Example
She has a bone to pick with her neighbor about the loud music last night.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Be up to
be engaged in
To be involved in or actively doing something.
Example
He's engaged in a new project at work and seems really excited about it.
be occupied with
To be busy or preoccupied with something.
Example
Sorry, I can't talk right now. I'm occupied with cooking dinner.
be on the go
To be very busy or active, often going from one place to another.
Example
She's always on the go, running errands and attending meetings throughout the day.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “out to”
Phrasal Verbs with “up to”
Differences in be out to vs be up to: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: be out to or be up to?
Both be out to and be up to are commonly used in everyday conversation, but be up to is more frequently used. It's a versatile phrase that can be used to describe a wide range of activities, while be out to is more specific and often used in negative contexts.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of be out to and be up to
Be out to and be up to are both informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations with friends and family. However, be up to can also be used in more formal settings depending on the context.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of be out to and be up to
The tone of be out to is often negative or suspicious, while the tone of be up to is more neutral or positive.
