adding up

USAGE SUMMARY

"adding up" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
It is usually used as an idiom when you want to express that all of the parts of something, when taken together, will produce a certain result. Example: All of the hours I've put in at the office this week are adding up to a lot of overtime.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Little things might start adding up, too.

The New York Times - Sports

But adding up is not their point.

The New York Times

Things aren't adding up on Benghazi.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's adding up columns of figures that's dehumanizing.

The New Yorker

"But they do start adding up for repeat offenders".

The New York Times

The math was not adding up, Ms. Rogers said.

The New York Times

Those inches are adding up to miles.

Forbes

Again adding up, we obtain that (3.6).

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

It follows by adding up (3.7) and (3.8) that.

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

By adding up the last two inequalities, we obtain (3.8).

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

By adding up the above relations, we get (3.5).

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "adding up" when you want to indicate that individual components, when considered together, produce a particular outcome or result. For instance, "The costs of the project are adding up quickly."

Common error

Avoid using "adding up" solely in literal arithmetic contexts. While correct, it's more effective when implying a consequential aggregation, not just basic math. If you mean only mathematical addition is best to use a more clear wording.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adding up" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used idiomatically. Ludwig examples showcase its role in expressing the cumulative effect of multiple factors or a situation where things are becoming clear or logical. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "adding up" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that describes the process of accumulation or the realization that something is making sense. Ludwig examples and Ludwig AI confirm its validity and diverse applications, particularly in news, scientific, and general writing. While the phrase is appropriate for many registers, it's essential to understand its idiomatic nature to avoid misuse in strictly literal or mathematical contexts. Alternatives like "amounting to" or "totaling" may provide clearer precision in specific instances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

amounting to

Implies that various elements combine to create a specific result or impression.

totaling

Focuses specifically on the act of calculating a sum or amount.

coming to

Similar to "amounting to", but potentially less formal.

summing

Similar to totaling, but often implies a more mathematical or formal context.

reaching a total of

More explicitly states the process of arriving at a final sum.

calculating

Emphasizes the process of arithmetic, rather than the resultant total.

equaling

Focuses on the final value or result after calculation.

accumulating

Suggests a gradual increase over time, rather than a final calculation.

computing

Focuses on the use of a formula or algorithm to find an amount.

amassing

Similar to accumulating, but often implies a large quantity or collection.

FAQs

What does "adding up" mean?

The phrase "adding up" typically means that individual elements, when combined, lead to a particular result or conclusion. It can also suggest that something is making sense or becoming clear.

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

You might say, "The evidence is "adding up", suggesting he was at the scene of the crime" or "The bills are "adding up" faster than we can pay them".

What's another way to say things are "adding up"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "amounting to", "totaling", "accumulating", or "making sense".

Is it ever incorrect to use "adding up"?

While grammatically correct, using "adding up" might be less impactful in scenarios requiring precision, like scientific or mathematical contexts where more specific terms such as "summing" or "calculating" could be more suitable.