adding to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adding to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about increasing or supplementing something. For example, "Adding to their already impressive collection, they purchased a rare antique from auction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We are adding to them".

The New Yorker

So it's adding to cost.

The New York Times

Unloading is slow, adding to costs.

The Economist

"He just kept adding to the story".

The New York Times

Just adding to an electric atmosphere.

The New York Times

This prospect is already adding to instability.

The Economist

Drums sound, adding to the mystery.

The New Yorker

"I'm adding to something".

The New York Times

Keep adding to the conversation.

The Guardian

Thus adding to its agency.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Probably adding to the effect.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "adding to", ensure clarity regarding what is being increased. For example, instead of saying "This is adding to the problem", specify which problem is being exacerbated.

Common error

Avoid using "adding to" in vague or ambiguous situations. Always clarify the subject being augmented to prevent confusion. For example, instead of saying "The change is adding to something", specify what the change is contributing to: "The change is adding to the company's overall efficiency".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adding to" functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating the act of increasing or contributing to something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound expression commonly found across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "adding to" is a versatile and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate an increase or contribution to something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific and general writing. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to ensure clarity regarding what is being augmented to avoid ambiguity. Consider using synonyms such as "contributing to", "increasing", or "supplementing" for greater precision. Remember, clarity and context are key to effectively utilizing this common phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contributing to

Focuses more on the act of providing or giving something, while "adding to" simply indicates an increase.

increasing

A more general term for making something larger or more numerous, lacking the direct connection to a specific base like "adding to".

supplementing

Suggests providing something that is lacking or deficient, implying a need that "adding to" doesn't necessarily convey.

augmenting

Implies enhancing or intensifying something, often with the aim of improving it, which might not be present in the meaning of "adding to".

enhancing

Focuses on improving the quality or attractiveness of something, rather than just increasing its quantity or amount.

boosting

Implies a sudden or significant increase, suggesting a more active or impactful addition than "adding to".

expanding

Suggests growth or enlargement in scope or size, while "adding to" can refer to smaller or less noticeable increases.

compounding

Implies an accumulation of effects or consequences, often with a negative connotation not always present in "adding to".

building upon

Emphasizes the idea of using an existing foundation to create something larger or more complex, while "adding to" is more general.

furthering

Suggests advancing or promoting something, often with a specific goal or purpose in mind, unlike the more neutral "adding to".

FAQs

How can I use "adding to" in a sentence?

The phrase "adding to" is used to indicate that something is increasing or contributing to something else. For example, "Her experience is "adding to" the team's expertise", or "The new regulations are "adding to" the company's costs".

What are some alternatives to "adding to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "contributing to", "increasing", "supplementing", or "augmenting". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "adding to" formal or informal language?

"Adding to" is generally considered neutral and suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, more precise synonyms like "contributing to" or "augmenting" might be preferred.

What's the difference between "adding to" and "in addition to"?

"Adding to" implies an increase or contribution to something already existing, while "in addition to" introduces something new or separate. For example, "Adding to the problem is the lack of resources" indicates the problem is worsening. "In addition to the problem, there's a lack of resources" means there are two separate issues.