When spoken casually, the pronunciation of “What are you up to?” turns more into something like “Whatcha up to?”
This question can be specified to a certain time frame by adding words like “tonight,” “tomorrow,” or “this weekend. ” Therefore, if someone asks you “What are you up to tomorrow?” you would tell them any plans you have for tomorrow.
Only ask this question to people you haven’t seen in maybe a month or more. If you just saw a person yesterday, then you already know what they’ve been up to recently. It wouldn’t make sense to ask this kind of question. This is slightly different from asking “What have you been up to?” which puts more emphasis on events that started in the past and are continuing up until the present. “What are you up to (these days)?” primarily puts the focus on events happening in the ongoing present, with little care as to when exactly they started.
Them: “Hey, whatcha up to?” You: Not much, really. You?” Them: “Nothing. Just wanted to say hi. ” Them: “Yo, whatcha up to?” You: “Just doing homework. How about you?” Them: “Same. ”
“Just laying around. ” “I’m practicing my drawing skills. ” “I’m reading this new book I got for my birthday. ” “Watching the newest episode of my favorite show. ” “I’m trying to figure out how to put this bookshelf together. ”
“Not much. Why?” “Nothing really. Why? What’s up?” “I’m in the middle of cleaning my room. Why?” “I’m about to go to the grocery store. Why? Did you want to do something?”
“I quit my old job and am working at a new company now. ” “I’m planning a trip with my friends. ” “Not much. Exams are coming up, so I’m studying every day. ”
“Trying to figure out if a straw has one or two holes. ” “Wouldn’t you like to know?” “I’m thinking about starting an underwater basket weaving club. Wanna join?” “Plotting world domination. Oh wait, you weren’t supposed to know that. ” “Talking to you. Obviously. ” “Breathing. Existing. You know, the usual. ” “Thinking about how you can literally never stand backwards when you’re on the stairs. ”
“Just thinking about you. ” “Making plans for our next date. ” “Wondering when I can see you again. ” “Watching a movie…care to join me?” “Cooking dinner, but I think I made too much. Want to come over and help me with that?”
