keep adding up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep adding up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a situation where quantities, numbers, or factors are cumulatively increasing or accumulating over time. Example: "The expenses from the project keep adding up, and we need to find a way to reduce costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

I've been watching them all since 1979, yet still they keep adding up in new ways.

The New York Times - Arts

The team's injuries keep adding up as Robbie Russell and Danny Cruz went down with injuries in recent games.

The Guardian - Sport

The incredible numbers keep adding up for No. 1 Connecticut, yet the Huskies only have one goal in mind — raising the national championship trophy at the end of the season.

The New York Times - Sports

Things just keep adding up in my life.

Vice

There's a housing fee, there's a gym fee, and there's just so many other fees that just keep adding up," he said.

Los Angeles Times

The number of world records China is capturing in cleantech keep adding up as the country pushes forward with its plans to de-carbonize its economy.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

But in Mr. Neely's office here, a few steps down the hall from the Police Department, he just keeps adding up the numbers, and they just keep growing more alarming.

The New York Times

The mistakes kept adding up in the men's short program for Nathan Chen, who's competing in his first Winter Olympics.

HuffPost

But with his lust for traveling and cruising Los Angeles freeways, the miles kept adding up and, at about 500,000, he began thinking of "shooting for the stars". To reach 1 million miles, Klein has averaged more than 40,000 miles a year.

Los Angeles Times

The gun deaths kept adding up.

The Guardian

The missed rents kept adding up.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep adding up", ensure the context clearly indicates what is increasing or accumulating. For instance, "The project costs keep adding up" clarifies that the expenses are increasing.

Common error

Avoid using "keep adding up" without specifying what is accumulating. For example, saying "Things keep adding up" is vague. Instead, be specific: "Responsibilities at work keep adding up".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep adding up" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating a continuous or ongoing process of accumulation or increase. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep adding up" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe a continuous accumulation or increase. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is best used when the context clearly indicates what is accumulating, such as costs, problems, or achievements. While versatile, this phrase finds its greatest use in news, media and informal communication; also, it's advisable to avoid vagueness by specifying what exactly is "adding up" to prevent ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "continue to accumulate", "steadily increase", or "build up over time" for specific nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue to accumulate

Emphasizes a gradual increase over time.

steadily increase

Highlights the consistent nature of the increase.

build up over time

Suggests a progressive construction or accumulation.

accumulate gradually

Focuses on the slow and steady nature of the accumulation.

incrementally increase

Highlights small, individual additions that contribute to the overall increase.

progressively mount

Indicates a growing intensity or volume over time.

continually accrue

Emphasizes the ongoing and continuous aspect of the accumulation.

collect bit by bit

Focuses on the small individual components of the accumulation.

grow cumulatively

Highlights the combined effect of individual additions.

increase bit by bit

Focuses on the small individual components of the increase.

FAQs

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

Use "keep adding up" to describe a situation where things are accumulating. For example, "The problems with the car "keep adding up", making it unreliable".

What are some alternatives to "keep adding up"?

You can use alternatives such as "continue to accumulate", "steadily increase", or "build up over time", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "keep adding up"?

Yes, "keep adding up" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe an ongoing accumulation.

What's the difference between "keep adding up" and "add up"?

"Add up" refers to a sum or total, whereas ""keep adding up"" indicates a continuous process of accumulation over time.