is adding up to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is adding up to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is accumulating or resulting in a particular total or conclusion. Example: "The expenses from the project are adding up to a significant amount that we need to address."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., however, is adding up to 1,000 workers this year, the company's chairman, Richard Fuld, said.

The New York Times

That is adding up to some rare good news for Detroit automakers, which have long had trouble earning a profit on small cars.

The New York Times

Mr. Gates said that in Afghanistan "the really hard question the alliance faces is whether the whole of our effort is adding up to less than the sum of its parts".

The New York Times

But it's interesting to note how quickly Atkinson's new rules replace the old ones, how assuredly she rewrites the contract: we will stay tuned as long as she keeps us interested and curious about what all this is adding up to.

The New York Times - Books

As children return to school these days, producers and purveyors of school uniforms are enjoying an arithmetic lesson of their own: the rising number of cities, including New York, that require or encourage public school students to wear uniforms is adding up to more profit.

The New York Times

"All of this is adding up to a programme for how we can change things.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

To the air stream is added up to 10% by mass of water spray, carbon dioxide, or nitrogen.

Combustion and Flame

But now the numbers are adding up to something else entirely.

Huffington Post

In case of multiple episodes of inflammation, the duration of visual loss in individual episodes was added up to obtain the total duration.

Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and Infection

Nanodiamond particles produced by detonation method were added up to 4 wt.% to PTFE film to improve the wear resistance and thermal stability.

Surface and Coatings Technology

That's added up to high costs -- the report states the city spent $20,000 on new signs over the past decade.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is adding up to" to clearly indicate that multiple elements are combining to create a larger, more significant whole or conclusion. Ensure the context makes it clear what elements are being combined and what they are adding up to.

Common error

Avoid using "is adding up to" when describing a single action or event. This phrase is meant to convey the result of multiple contributing factors, not a singular occurrence.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "is adding up to" functions as a linking verb connecting a subject to a result or consequence. It describes how incremental elements accumulate to form a total or a specific conclusion, indicating a progressive aggregation. As Ludwig confirms, it follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

42%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "is adding up to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey that multiple elements are accumulating or resulting in a specific total or conclusion. Ludwig confirms its adherence to standard grammar. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it serves the purpose of illustrating cumulative effects. To ensure clarity, avoid using it for single events and focus on scenarios where multiple factors contribute to the overall outcome. Alternatives like "is amounting to" or "is resulting in" can be used to provide a subtle variation in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is amounting to

Focuses on the total amount or value being reached.

is totaling

Emphasizes the calculation and final sum.

is culminating in

Highlights the final result or outcome after a period of accumulation.

is resulting in

Stresses the consequence or effect of accumulated actions or factors.

is contributing to

Indicates that something is one of several factors that combine to produce a particular result.

is building up to

Suggests a gradual increase or intensification towards a climax or conclusion.

is coming to

Emphasizes the final state or outcome that is being approached.

is equalling

Focuses on achieving equality with a specific number or amount.

is aggregating to

Highlights the process of gathering and combining multiple elements into a single total.

is running up to

Implies an increase, often in a negative context, such as debt or costs.

FAQs

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

Use "is adding up to" to show that several things are increasing gradually to reach a particular amount or have a specific result. For example, "The costs "are adding up to" a significant sum."

What are some alternatives to "is adding up to"?

You can use alternatives like "is amounting to", "is totaling", or "is resulting in" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "is adding up to" or "amounts to"?

"Is adding up to" emphasizes the process of accumulation, while "amounts to" focuses on the final sum. Choose the phrase that best reflects whether you want to highlight the process or the result.

When should I not use the phrase "is adding up to"?

Avoid using "is adding up to" if you're describing a single, isolated event or a static amount. It's best suited for situations where multiple factors contribute to a growing total or a developing conclusion.