stack up

USAGE SUMMARY

"stack up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is a phrasal verb meaning "to accumulate or assemble", or "to compare favorably". Example sentence: "Since I've been working hard to improve my grades, the results have really been stacking up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Does this stack up?

Independent

It doesn't stack up well.

The Economist

The odds stack up".

The Guardian - Sport

Here's how their answers stack up.

The New York Times

They stack up in my inbox.

The New York Times

But do they stack up?

The Guardian - Tech

So do they stack up?

The Guardian

So how does the Air stack up?

The New York Times - Tech

But do the numbers stack up?

The Economist

How does that system stack up?

The New York Times

Their accomplishments stack up quickly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stack up" to describe the accumulation of items, the comparison of qualities, or the validation of evidence. Ensure the context clearly indicates which meaning is intended.

Common error

Avoid using "stack up" in contexts where a more specific verb like "accumulate", "compare", or "validate" would provide clearer communication. Make sure the intended meaning aligns with the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "stack up" primarily functions to describe the accumulation of items or information. It can also indicate a comparison or evaluation, as seen in examples provided by Ludwig. The phrase may also convey how well something withstands scrutiny or validation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stack up" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe accumulation, comparison, and validation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. The primary contexts for its use are News & Media and Wiki, with a neutral formality level. When using "stack up", ensure that the context clearly indicates the intended meaning, whether it's accumulating items, comparing qualities, or validating evidence. Alternatives like "accumulate" or "compare" may be more appropriate in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accumulate

Refers to the gradual gathering or amassing of something, similar to the accumulation aspect of "stack up".

pile up

Indicates a growing quantity or collection, mirroring the accumulation sense of "stack up".

measure up

Emphasizes the comparison aspect, assessing how something compares to a standard or expectation.

compare

Focuses on the act of evaluating similarities and differences, as when assessing how things "stack up".

add up

Suggests that evidence or information coheres logically, similar to the validation sense of "stack up".

hold up

Implies that something withstands scrutiny or validation, akin to how facts "stack up".

pan out

Refers to the eventual outcome or result, suggesting how things ultimately "stack up".

prove true

Indicates that something is validated or confirmed, resembling the way evidence "stacks up".

bear comparison

Highlights the ability of something to be compared favorably with something else, similar to one meaning of "stack up".

come together

Suggests that elements combine cohesively, reflecting how related ideas or evidence might "stack up".

FAQs

How can I use "stack up" in a sentence?

You can use "stack up" to describe things accumulating (e.g., "The bills are stacking up"), to compare items (e.g., "How does this phone stack up against the competition?"), or to see if evidence is valid (e.g., "Does the evidence stack up?").

What can I say instead of "stack up"?

Alternatives include "accumulate", "pile up", "measure up", or "compare", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "stack up" in formal writing?

While generally suitable, consider whether a more precise term might better suit the formality of the piece. In many formal contexts, verbs like "accumulate" or "compare" might be preferred.

Is there a difference between "stack up" and "add up"?

While both can refer to logical coherence, "stack up" often implies a more direct comparison or accumulation of evidence, whereas "add up" focuses primarily on the logical consistency of information. For example, you might say "His story doesn't add up" to indicate something is suspicious.