it adds on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it adds on" is not standard in written English and may be considered incorrect.
You can use it informally to suggest that something is being added to a previous point or item, but it is better to use more precise language. Example: "The new feature it adds on to the software improves user experience significantly."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Because of the features it adds on to what Twitter does, and its overall look, it's hard not to compare Buzz to FriendFeed.

TechCrunch

And it adds, on average, about $3,000 to the earnings of low-income workers with children.

The New York Times

The same is true for division, it adds, On addition and subtraction, the UK plan requires six- and seven-year-olds to manipulate numbers two years before their counterparts in Singapore.

Independent

As he put it: "The contractor's license becomes a litmus test because instead of just measuring competency, it adds on a social policy, and the applicant has to agree or they don't get the license.

The New York Times

You have to click on a minute "i" on the personal details page to reveal it adds "on average" £19.75 on top of the airline fee for each checked-in bag.

The Guardian - Money

For (alpha '<beta ',) <span class="lh">it adds on top of the dividend effect and makes the corporation even more privileged.

Business Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

It added, "On the record before us, removal of the children was not warranted".

The New York Times

Somewhere along the way, it added on another 40,000 square feet.

The New York Times

Mr. Bush repeated it, adding on Thursday that the Chinese pilot and his family were in his prayers.

The New York Times

It added: "On returning to England, Jack will resume his rehabilitation with the Arsenal medical team over the summer".

BBC

Muhlenkamp Fund reduced holdings in Conoco Philips, even as it added on to positions in other energy-related companies like oil well services firm Nabors Industries.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it adds on", consider if a more precise verb like "contributes", "supplements", or "enhances" would better convey your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "it adds on" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated vocabulary to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it adds on" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating an addition or supplement to something. As suggested by Ludwig AI, it is better to use more precise language in order to improve context. The examples provided by Ludwig show it being used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "it adds on" is understandable and used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, Ludwig AI advises that its grammatical status is acceptable but not ideal. This suggests that while not strictly incorrect, more precise alternatives such as "contributes to" or "supplements" could improve clarity and formality, especially in professional or academic writing. The phrase functions as a phrasal verb expressing an addition or increase to something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it contributes to

Suggests that something is not just added but also makes a positive impact or assists in achieving a result.

it builds upon

Indicates that something is constructed or developed using a previous thing as a foundation.

it supplements

Implies filling something that is lacking or deficient with an addition.

it appends to

Replaces "adds on" with a more formal and technical term, implying attachment or addition at the end.

it enhances

Focuses on improving the quality or increasing the value of something by adding to it.

it augments

Similar to enhances, but suggests increasing the size or quantity of something.

it further includes

Highlights that something is added to the existing inclusions or components.

it tacks on

Suggests adding something quickly or carelessly, possibly as an afterthought.

it extends to

Focuses on the reach or scope that is increased when something is added.

it piles on

Implies adding a large quantity or number of something, often excessively.

FAQs

How can I use "it adds on" in a sentence?

You can use "it adds on" to indicate that something is being supplemented or enhanced. For instance, "The new feature it adds on to the software improves user experience significantly."

What are some alternatives to "it adds on"?

You can use alternatives like "it contributes to", "it supplements", or "it enhances" depending on the context.

Is "it adds on" grammatically correct?

While commonly understood, "it adds on" isn't always considered grammatically impeccable. Consider using more precise language for formal writing.

How does "it adds on" differ from "it adds to"?

"It adds on" suggests supplementation, while "it adds to" simply means increasing the quantity or effect. The best option depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.