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Nessie000 Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

'Are you up to the task?'

Hi,

Please have a look at this:

'As a business leader today, you face an unprecedented challenge: the worldwide economic downturn. Cash and credit are dwindling, sales forcast are dismal, and morale is sinking. This is not a time to reflect. It is a time to act, decide, and energise your people - with urgency.

This is your moment

Are you up to the task?'

=> My question is: what is the exact meaning of the last (bold) sentence? Does it mean 'Are you ready to take the task?'?

Many thanks,

Nessie.
  

Top answer

I don't think so much "ready," as equal to the task , which is another idiom or fixed expression. Are you man enough to handle it? Do you have the right stuff?

— Avangi

  • I don't think so much "ready," as equal to the task , which is another idiom or fixed expression.
  • Are you man enough to handle it?
  • Do you have the right stuff?
  • In plain language, are you capable of doing the job?
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11 Answers
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I don't think so much "ready," as equal to the task, which is another idiom or fixed expression.
Are you man enough to handle it? Do you have the right stuff?

In plain language, are you capable of doing the job?
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"Ready" is sometimes used to mean "capable," as in "You're not ready for a big job like this."

But you may willing to attempt the task and not be capable of doing the job. In that sense, you might say you're ready, but you wouldn't be "up to it." In such a case you might also say you're "up for it."
Your spirits are high. Your eager to give it your bes
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Edit. You're eager
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Edit. But you may be willing
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nessie000Are you up to the task?
Simply said, "Are you good enough to perform the task?"

CJ
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Sorry but I still can't understand it very clearly. So 'Are you up to the task?' means 'Are you good enough to perform the task?'

Thank you very much,

Nessie
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Hi, Avangi

If I ask "are you up for the task", does it mean that I'm asking whether the person I'm asking feels like going about the task ? Can it mean the same as "are you up to the task"

Thanks !
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Yes and no. Your description of "up for it" is correct. In my opinion it doesn't directly address his capabilities.

I believe the version with "to" has been around longer and is more widely used.

As I have said, being up to the task doesn't address how you feel about it. You may be up to it without even knowing it exists. Others may be discussing your qu
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MrPernicketyIf I ask "are you up for the task", does it mean that I'm asking whether the person I'm asking feels like going about the task ?
Yes, but the word task would probably not be used. Usually you describe something fairly pleasant like going to a movie -- not something unpleasant like a task, and then say, "Are you up for it?" (
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