added up to

USAGE SUMMARY

"added up to" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe the total or sum of something. For example: - The cost of the trip added up to $1000. - After all the expenses were added up, we realized we had gone over budget. - The hours I spent studying for the exam added up to 20. - The ingredients for the recipe added up to $30. - Despite a few setbacks, our hard work and determination added up to success.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It added up to devastation.

The New York Times

It added up to one thing.

The New York Times

Its lots added up to $224.17 million.

The New York Times - Arts

It all added up to just enough.

The New York Times

Sales added up to £4.52 million.

The New York Times - Arts

They added up to nothing, she said.

The New Yorker

It added up to a sloppy dish.

The New York Times

What has it all added up to?

The New York Times

That added up to a crunch".

The New York Times

It added up to an uneven concert.

The New York Times - Arts

It all added up to an education.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "added up to" to clearly indicate the total or final result of a calculation, situation, or series of events. For example: "The expenses for the project added up to more than we anticipated."

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences in a passive voice where the subject doesn't actively perform the addition. Incorrect: 'It was added up to a large sum'. Correct: 'It added up to a large sum'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "added up to" functions as a phrasal verb indicating the culmination, sum, or final result of a series of items or events. As Ludwig AI explains, it's commonly used to describe a total or sum. Examples show its application in financial contexts, consequences, and general outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

21%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Huffington Post

5%

Los Angeles Times

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "added up to" functions as a common phrasal verb signifying a final amount, total, or result. Analysis from Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and versatile use across numerous contexts. While its grammatical function is straightforward, proper usage avoids passive voice constructions, favoring a clear and direct expression of cumulative outcomes. As Ludwig's analysis shows, it most frequently appears in news media and scientific writing, with a neutral register suited for diverse communication needs. Consider using alternative phrases like "amounted to" or "resulted in" based on specific context to refine your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

amounted to

This alternative directly replaces "added up" with a synonym, maintaining a focus on a quantitative result.

totaled

This suggests a summing up, primarily used when numbers are involved.

equaled

Focuses on mathematical equivalence, implying the sum is exactly the same.

resulted in

This focuses on the outcome or consequence, rather than the sum of parts.

contributed to

This highlights the elements that led to a final outcome.

led to

Emphasizes the causal relationship between elements and the final result.

culminated in

This implies a final, climactic result after a period of development.

brought about

Suggests that something caused a certain result.

came to

A more informal way of saying something totaled a certain amount.

constituted

Indicates the elements that make up a whole, focusing on composition.

FAQs

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

Use "added up to" to describe the final result or total of multiple items or actions. For example, "The costs for the repairs added up to $500".

What is a good alternative to "added up to"?

Alternatives include "amounted to", "totaled", or "resulted in", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "was added up to"?

While grammatically understandable, it's better to use the active voice with "added up to". Instead of "The bill was added up to $100", say "The bill added up to $100".

What is the difference between "added up to" and "contributed to"?

"Added up to" indicates a final sum or result, while "contributed to" suggests an influence or factor leading to an outcome. "The donations added up to $1000" (total amount), versus "Her efforts "contributed to" the project's success" (influence on the result).