does not add

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does not add" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that does not contribute or provide additional value to a situation or argument. Example: "The additional information provided does not add to the overall understanding of the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It does not add value".

The New York Times

To him, it does not add up.

The New York Times

But the idea does not add up.

The Guardian - Opinion

But this just does not add up.

The Guardian

This does not add up to collapse.

The Guardian

He does not add: One man.

The New Yorker

Again, it does not add up.

The New York Times

For others, the math just does not add up.

The New York Times

**Detail does not add to total given because of rounding.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The accumulated knowledge does not add up to much.

The New York Times

"Coach's" sanctimony does not add up, or compute.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "does not add", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is lacking contribution or value. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "does not add" in overly convoluted sentences where simpler, more direct phrasing would improve clarity. Choose more concise alternatives to make your writing more accessible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not add" functions primarily as a negative verb phrase. It negates the action of adding, indicating a lack of contribution or increment. As Ludwig suggests, it is used to express that something is not increasing, enhancing, or contributing to a particular situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "does not add" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a lack of contribution or value. As Ludwig confirms, it's versatile enough for use in various contexts, from formal writing to news reporting. It's important to ensure clarity when using this phrase, specifying exactly what is lacking. While acceptable, avoiding overuse in complex sentences will keep your writing clear and easily understood. Consider synonyms like "doesn't contribute" or "does not enhance" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doesn't contribute

Replaces "add" with a synonym indicating a lack of contribution.

does not enhance

Focuses on the absence of improvement or enhancement.

does not improve

Highlights the lack of positive change or betterment.

doesn't increase

Emphasizes the absence of growth or augmentation.

does not benefit

Highlights the lack of positive impact or advantage.

does not equate to

Indicates a lack of equivalence or logical connection.

does not strengthen

Focuses on the absence of reinforcement or support.

does not result in

Highlights the absence of a specific outcome or consequence.

does not amount to

Suggests a lack of significance or overall impact.

does not lead to

Implies a lack of causal relationship or progression.

FAQs

What does "does not add" mean?

The phrase "does not add" means that something is not contributing, increasing, or improving a particular situation or outcome. It signifies a lack of value or significance in a given context.

What can I say instead of "does not add"?

You can use alternatives like "doesn't contribute", "does not enhance", or "does not improve depending on the context.

How to use "does not add" in a sentence?

You can use "does not add" to indicate a lack of value. For example: "The additional information provided "does not add" to the overall understanding of the topic."

Which is correct, "does not add" or "adds not"?

"Does not add" is the correct and standard way to express this negation in English. "Adds not" is an archaic or poetic construction and is rarely used in modern English.