adding the words

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adding the words" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of including specific words or phrases in a text or conversation. Example: "In order to clarify the message, I suggest adding the words 'please' and 'thank you' to your request."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Adding the words "may contain genetically engineered ingredients" will add as much to the cost of making food as adding the words "can help reduce cholesterol" -- nothing.

HuffPost

Perhaps for season two, writer/creator Nick Pizzolatto might consider adding the words, "Yeah, bitch!" to the script.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Google any of the current crop of parliamentarians adding the words "radical vision" and see what I mean.

The Guardian - Opinion

Moore said that he's not surprised that the two ran into obstacles in public television, given Koch's trustee role, adding, "The words 'chilling effect' came immediately to mind".

The New Yorker

He also won't make a joke without adding the words "I'm joking" or "I say that with my tongue firmly in my cheek".

Independent

Allan seemingly editorialised the original message by adding the words "unless you die" making it appear as though "Rusty" had sent her a death threat.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Just adding the word dinosaur transforms any headline into clickbait.

The Guardian

Ask: How does adding the word "global" change your sense of the word "hunger"?

The New York Times

For some people, adding the word "communications" to the word "government" sets off alarm bells.

The Guardian

"A Khovanov homotopy type"; the referee suggested adding the word "stable" to avoid confusion.

Columbia University

Our friend performed the ceremony, adding the word "flooded" every chance he could.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "adding the words", ensure that the added words contribute meaningfully to the clarity or impact of the original text. Avoid adding unnecessary words that could create clutter.

Common error

Avoid frequently qualifying statements with phrases like "adding the words 'sort of'" as this can undermine the authority and clarity of your writing. Instead, consider more direct and confident phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adding the words" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as the subject or part of the subject in a sentence. This phrase describes the act of including specific terms to modify, clarify, or enhance meaning. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "adding the words" is a grammatically sound and frequently used gerund phrase that describes the action of including specific terms in a text. It serves to modify, clarify, or enhance meaning, and it appears across various contexts from news to academic writing. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is generally neutral in register and is widely understood. The prevalence of "adding the words" in sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its legitimacy and utility in contemporary English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

including the terms

Focuses on the inclusion of specific terminology.

inserting the phrase

Highlights the action of putting a phrase into a text.

incorporating the language

Emphasizes the integration of specific wording.

appending the expressions

Suggests adding expressions at the end.

supplementing the text

Implies adding to existing text for completeness.

modifying the statement

Indicates changing a statement by adding more words.

editing in the details

Describes the process of adding details through editing.

augmenting the vocabulary

Focuses on expanding the vocabulary used.

introducing the nomenclature

Highlights the introduction of specific names or terms.

enhancing the wording

Indicates improving the wording by adding details.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "adding the words" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives such as "including the terms", "inserting the phrase", or "incorporating the language" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "adding the words" and "rewording"?

"Adding the words" implies supplementing existing text, while "rewording" suggests changing the existing text. Rewording can include removing or replacing words, not just adding them.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "adding the words"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "adding the words" if used as a gerund phrase. For example: "Adding the words 'in my opinion' can soften a strong statement."

When is it appropriate to use "adding the words" in formal writing?

It's appropriate in formal writing when you need to describe the specific act of including certain words to modify or clarify a statement. Ensure the addition is purposeful and enhances the text.