add

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "add" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb to mean "to combine two or more numbers together" or "to put something together with something else and make it larger, better, worse, etc." For example: I added two and two to get four.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have nothing further to add.

The Guardian

We are currently in the process of interviewing potential board members, and our goal is to add an additional independent member this year in order to regain our 4-star rating by 2013.

The Guardian

Listen to others people's suggestions and add yours to a collaborative Spotify playlist.

The Guardian - Music

As always if you have any problems posting a comment, or would prefer to comment anonymously, email us at [email protected] and we'll add your views to the thread.

The Guardian

Let Nick Clegg be clear: "The Liberal Democrats will add a heart to a Conservative government, and a brain to a Labour one!" Unfortunately, courage for the cowardly lion will be a casualty of any coalition agreement.

The Guardian

Li's retirement from tennis may have robbed Melbourne of a defending champion but it has given Kvitova a boost that could yet see her add to her two Wimbledon titles over the next fortnight.

The Guardian - Sport

At this G20 I brought together a crucial meeting between President Obama and fellow European leaders to insist on urgent progress on a comprehensive EU-US trade deal that could add £10bn to the UK economy alone.

The Guardian - Opinion

If you want to jazz it up, add a crumbling of feta one day.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Season and add a dressing of one garlic clove mashed into a paste with salt, mixed with 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp red wine vinegar.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Nearly half (45%) say it's important to pay MPs enough to ensure they're not tempted to add to their income by taking secondary work.

The Guardian

However, Black Shuck is not the only apparition to add to the ghostly reputation of Wicken Fen, one of Britain's oldest nature reserves.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "add" in mathematical contexts, ensure clarity by specifying the units being added. For example, instead of saying "Add 5", say "Add 5 liters".

Common error

Be mindful of the difference between "add", which means to combine or increase, and "ad", which is short for advertisement. Double-check your spelling to avoid this common mistake.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "add" is as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. Ludwig AI examples show it being used to describe the action of combining or increasing something, whether it's numbers, ingredients, or abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Lifestyle

17%

Sport

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "add" is a versatile verb that signifies combining or increasing something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across various contexts. It's widely used in news, lifestyle, and sports reporting, reflecting its broad applicability. When writing, be mindful of its spelling to avoid confusion with "ad". Consider alternatives like "include" or "augment" to add nuance to your writing. With its high frequency and diverse applications, mastering the use of "add" is essential for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increase

Emphasizes making something larger in quantity or degree.

include

Focuses on incorporating something as part of a whole.

incorporate

Suggests blending something into a larger entity.

augment

Implies increasing the size or amount of something.

append

Suggests adding something at the end.

attach

Indicates joining or connecting something to something else.

introduce

Focuses on bringing something new into a situation.

sum up

Implies combining numbers or items to reach a total.

mix in

Refers to combining ingredients or elements.

tack on

Suggests adding something quickly or without much thought.

FAQs

How can I use "add" in a sentence?

You can use "add" to describe combining numbers, like "Add 2 and 2 together". It can also mean including something extra, such as "Add some sugar to the coffee".

What is a synonym for "add" that I can use?

Alternatives to "add" include "include", "append", and "augment". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "add on" instead of "add"?

While "add" is perfectly acceptable and versatile, "add on" often implies including something as an extra or an accessory. For example, "You can add on extra insurance coverage".

What is the difference between "add to" and "add"?

"Add to" usually means to increase something, often in an abstract sense, like "This only adds to our worries". The word "add" is more general and can refer to combining physical objects, numbers, or concepts.