add up to

USAGE SUMMARY

"add up to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that something amounts to a certain sum or quantity, or describes a certain result. For example: "The expenses for the party added up to $500."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These packages add up to $3,100.

The New York Times

Add up to that the moral implications.

Huffington Post

"That doesn't add up to wins.

The New York Times - Sports

What does it add up to?

The New York Times - Arts

Little things add up to big victories.

The New York Times - Sports

ReprintsWill all this add up to much?

The Economist

Does that add up to secular stagnation?

The New Yorker

What did it all add up to?

The New York Times

Such failings add up to colossal waste.

The Economist

Does that add up to soul?

The New York Times

Small actions add up to big results.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "add up to" to describe a cumulative effect, ensure that all the elements you're referring to are clearly stated or easily understood within the context.

Common error

Avoid using "add up to" when you're referring to a single cause or factor. This phrase implies a combination of multiple elements leading to a particular result.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "add up to" primarily functions as a predicate in a sentence. It indicates that several elements combine to form a total or result. As Ludwig AI explains, it means something amounts to a certain sum or quantity, or describes a certain result. For example, "The costs add up to $500".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

16%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "add up to" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe a cumulative result or total. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's considered grammatically correct and is frequently used across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and general conversation. While interchangeable with phrases like "amount to" and "total", it is crucial to understand its cumulative meaning and use it appropriately. Keep in mind that small steps add up to big results.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

amount to

Focuses on the final sum or total, similar to "add up to", but can also imply reaching a certain level or degree.

total

Emphasizes the calculation of a sum, often used in numerical contexts.

come to

Indicates a result or conclusion reached after a process or series of events.

equate to

Suggests an equivalence or correspondence between two things.

result in

Highlights the consequence or outcome of a particular action or situation.

lead to

Focuses on the progression towards a specific outcome or conclusion.

contribute to

Indicates that something is a factor in achieving a final outcome, but not necessarily the only one.

translate to

Implies converting one thing into another, often used in a metaphorical sense.

boil down to

Suggests simplifying a complex issue to its most essential elements or core meaning.

spell out

Emphasizes making something clear or obvious as a final outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "add up to" in a sentence?

Use "add up to" to indicate that several items, figures, or facts combine to produce a particular total or result. For instance, "The costs of the trip "add up to" $1000" or "These small acts of kindness "add up to" a big difference".

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

"Add up to" and "amount to" are very similar. "Add up to" often implies a literal summation, while "amount to" can also express a consequence or significance: "His actions amount to betrayal."

What are some synonyms for "add up to"?

Some synonyms for "add up to" include "total", "come to", "equate to", and "result in". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "adds up to" or "add up to"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "adds up to" when the subject is singular or uncountable (e.g., "This effort adds up to significant progress"). Use "add up to" when the subject is plural (e.g., "These expenses add up to a considerable amount").