not add up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not add up" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when you need to express disbelief or confusion about something that doesn't make sense. For example, "I checked the math again, but the numbers still don't add up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This does not add up to collapse.

The Guardian

They do not add up," he says.

The Guardian

"The numbers will not add up without it".

Independent

These piecemeal controls may not add up to much.

The Economist

Parts of the story did not add up, investigators said.

The New York Times

But such footnotes do not add up to verisimilitude.

The New York Times - Arts

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

"The figures do not add up," he said.

The Guardian

Such figures may not add up to much.

The Guardian

These worthy aims do not add up to a policy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "not add up" to express skepticism or doubt about a claim or explanation, especially when presented with contradictory information.

Common error

Avoid using "not add up" when you simply disagree with an opinion, rather than identifying a clear logical inconsistency or factual contradiction. This phrase is most effective when highlighting objective discrepancies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not add up" functions as an idiomatic expression, primarily used to indicate that something is illogical, inconsistent, or does not make sense. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not add up" is a common idiomatic expression used to indicate that something is illogical, inconsistent, or doesn't make sense. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct. The phrase is frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When using "not add up", ensure clarity in expressing what inconsistencies you're referring to. Alternative expressions include "not make sense", "not compute", and "not hold water". While versatile, avoid employing it merely to express disagreement without presenting a logical discrepancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not make sense

This alternative directly conveys the lack of logical coherence, emphasizing the incomprehensibility of the situation.

not compute

This phrase, often used informally, implies a failure in logical processing or understanding.

not hold water

This idiom suggests that an explanation or story is flimsy and easily disproven, lacking credibility.

not ring true

This alternative indicates that something feels dishonest or insincere, raising suspicion.

not stand up to scrutiny

This phrase suggests that something will fail under careful examination, revealing flaws or inconsistencies.

not add up logically

Emphasizes that there is a lack of logical connection.

not seem plausible

This implies something is unlikely or improbable given the circumstances.

not be consistent

Highlights a contradiction or lack of uniformity in information or behavior.

something is fishy

Informal way to suggest something suspicious or untrustworthy

something doesn't smell right

Suggests something questionable or wrong is happening.

FAQs

How can I use "not add up" in a sentence?

You can use "not add up" to express that something doesn't make sense or is inconsistent. For example, "The suspect's alibi did "not add up", so the police investigated further".

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

You can use alternatives like "not make sense", "not compute", or "not hold water" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "doesn't add up" instead of "does not add up"?

Yes, "doesn't add up" is a contraction of "does not add up" and is perfectly acceptable in most contexts. Both forms have the same meaning.

What's the difference between "not add up" and "not make sense"?

While similar, "not add up" often implies a numerical or logical inconsistency, whereas "not make sense" is more general and can refer to anything that is difficult to understand.