adds to

USAGE SUMMARY

"adds to" is a perfectly grammatical phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate something that increases or expands upon something else - for example, "The addition of fresh herbs adds to the flavor of the dish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That adds to the charm.

The New York Times

That adds to their segregation.

The New Yorker

Campbell now adds to it.

The New York Times - Arts

It adds to the excitement.

The New York Times

"Which adds to the naughtiness".

The New Yorker

The steering adds to this.

Independent

That adds to the challenge.

The New York Times

It adds to your appeal.

The New York Times

Culture adds to the problem.

The Economist

It adds to it".

The New York Times

But it adds to a broader trend.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "adds to" when you want to clearly express that something is increasing or enhancing another thing or feeling. For example, "The new lighting design adds to the ambiance of the restaurant."

Common error

Avoid using "adds to" excessively in formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "contributes to", "enhances", or "augments" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adds to" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating that something increases or enhances another element. Ludwig shows that it is commonly used to express contribution or augmentation. It is often followed by a noun phrase representing what is being increased or enhanced.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "adds to" is a common and versatile phrasal verb used to indicate that something increases or enhances another element. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. With examples spanning news, science, and general writing, the phrase demonstrates a neutral tone suitable for diverse contexts. While synonyms like "contributes to" or "enhances" may be preferable in formal settings, "adds to" remains a clear and effective way to express augmentation or contribution. Remember to use it thoughtfully, especially in professional writing, to avoid overuse and maintain a sophisticated tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contributes to

Replaces "adds" with "contributes", emphasizing the act of giving or supplying.

enhances

Focuses on improving the quality or desirability of something.

augments

Suggests a more significant increase or addition.

supplements

Implies adding something to make it complete or better.

bolsters

Highlights the strengthening or supporting effect of the addition.

magnifies

Indicates an increase in size, intensity, or importance.

further improves

Explicitly states the action of making something better by adding to it.

serves to increase

Formal and emphasizes the function of adding to something.

is an additional factor

Introduces the concept of something being a contributing element.

compounds

Indicates that the addition intensifies the original effect or situation, often negatively.

FAQs

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

The phrase "adds to" is used to indicate that something is increasing or enhancing another thing. For example, "The new feature "adds to" the software's functionality".

What's a formal alternative to "adds to"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "contributes to", "enhances", or "augments" instead of "adds to". Each of these options provides a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "adds to" and "contributes to"?

"Adds to" generally means to increase or enhance something, while "contributes to" suggests playing a part in bringing about a result. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize simple addition or active participation.

Is it always appropriate to use "adds to"?

While "adds to" is grammatically correct, its suitability depends on the context. In more formal or academic writing, using alternatives like "contributes to" or "enhances" might be more appropriate.