What Does “Feel up to doing sth” Mean?
“Feel up to doing sth” means having enough energy, mood, or willingness to do something. It is often used when someone is unsure if they want or are able to do an activity.
Introduction
The phrase “feel up to doing sth” is a common English expression used to talk about whether someone has the energy or motivation to do a task. When you say you feel up to doing something, it means you are in the right mood or condition to do it. For example, after a long day, you might not feel up to going out. Understanding the feel up to doing sth meaning helps learners express their feelings about willingness or energy levels in a natural way. This phrase is useful in daily conversations, especially when discussing plans or activities.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: feel up to doing sth (feel up to something)
- Type: Intransitive
- Level: B1 (Intermediate)
- Short meaning: To have the energy or willingness to do something
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Feel up to” is an inseparable phrasal verb followed by a gerund (-ing form).
- Correct pattern: feel up to + verb-ing (e.g., feel up to going)
- Incorrect: feel up to + infinitive (e.g., feel up to go)
It is always followed by an action expressed as a gerund, never by a noun directly.
How to Use “Feel up to doing sth”?
Use “feel up to doing sth” when you want to express whether you have the energy, mood, or willingness to do something. It is often used in negative or uncertain contexts but can be positive too.
- When you are tired or unwell: “I don’t feel up to working today.”
- When you want to check with someone: “Do you feel up to going out tonight?”
- When you want to politely refuse: “Thanks, but I don’t feel up to joining the party.”
Examples
Here are some examples of feel up to doing sth in a sentence:
- After the long hike, I didn’t feel up to cooking dinner.
- She felt up to attending the meeting despite feeling sick earlier.
- Do you feel up to playing tennis this afternoon?
- He didn’t feel up to answering the phone last night.
- Sometimes, I just don’t feel up to socializing after work.
Common Mistakes
People often confuse the structure or use the wrong verb form after “feel up to.”
- Incorrect: I don’t feel up to go out tonight.
- Correct: I don’t feel up to going out tonight.
- Incorrect: She feels up to play football tomorrow.
- Correct: She feels up to playing football tomorrow.
Remember, always use the gerund (verb + -ing) after “feel up to.”
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrases include “be willing to do sth,” “be in the mood for sth,” and “have the energy to do sth.” However, “feel up to doing sth” specifically focuses on whether you feel capable or ready.
- Be willing to do sth: More about choice or agreement, less about energy.
- Be in the mood for sth: More about desire or interest.
- Have the energy to do sth: Similar, but more focused on physical or mental strength.
For example, you might be willing to help but not feel up to it because you’re tired.
Common Collocations
Here are some common actions used with “feel up to”:
- Feel up to going – going somewhere
- Feel up to doing – any activity (e.g., doing homework, doing chores)
- Feel up to meeting – meeting people
- Feel up to talking – having a conversation
- Feel up to working – working or studying
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of feel up to doing sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Here’s a short conversation using “feel up to doing sth”:
Anna: Hey, do you want to go for a run?
Ben: I don’t really feel up to running today. I’m a bit tired.
Anna: No problem. Maybe just a walk then?
Ben: Yeah, that sounds better. Thanks!
Practice
Choose the correct sentence:
- A) I don’t feel up to go to the party tonight.
- B) I don’t feel up to going to the party tonight.
- C) I don’t feel up to to go to the party tonight.
Answer: B
Fill in the blank:
She doesn’t __________ (feel up to / feels up to) __________ (to work / working) after the long trip.
Answer: feel up to / working
FAQs
- Q: Can “feel up to” be used in formal writing?
A: It is more common in informal or spoken English but can be used in informal writing.
- Q: Is “feel up to” always followed by a verb?
A: Yes, it is followed by a verb in the -ing form.
- Q: Can I say “feel up to something” without a verb?
A: Yes, but it usually implies an activity; for example, “I don’t feel up to it.”
- Q: What is the opposite of “feel up to doing sth”?
A: Not feeling up to doing something, meaning lacking energy or willingness.
- Q: Is “feel up to” a phrasal verb?
A: Yes, it is a phrasal verb that is inseparable.
