to add to

USAGE SUMMARY

"to add to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that serves as an addition or supplement to something else. For example, "I'd like to add to my presentation by showing a video."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Nothing to add to evidence to inquiry.

Independent

Any suggestions to add to the list?

The Economist

Employers remain reluctant to add to payrolls.

The New York Times

"I have nothing to add to that".

The New York Times

I hate to add to that.

The New York Times - Food

There's not much to add to that.

The New Yorker

I am reluctant to add to it.

The Guardian

I'd like to add to that "joyous".

The Guardian

Feel free to add to it.

The Guardian

You don't need to add to it".

The New York Times

I don't want to add to it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to add to" when you want to express the idea of supplementing or increasing something, be it information, value, or quantity. For example, "To add to the discussion, let's consider the economic impact."

Common error

While "to add to" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Consider stronger verbs like "augment", "supplement", or "enhance" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to add to" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase, often serving as an adverbial modifier to express purpose or result. Ludwig examples showcase its use in supplementing information, enhancing discussions, and increasing existing qualities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to add to" is a versatile infinitive phrase used to indicate supplementation or enhancement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across diverse contexts. While frequently found in news and media, it's important to consider more formal synonyms like "augment" or "supplement" in academic or professional writing to enhance the tone and sophistication. The numerous examples provided by Ludwig highlight the phrase's prevalence and correct usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to supplement

Replaces "add" with a synonym focusing on providing something extra.

to augment

Emphasizes the increase in size or quantity.

to enhance

Focuses on improving the quality or desirability.

to build upon

Suggests using something as a foundation for further development.

to contribute to

Highlights the act of giving or providing something that helps.

to expand on

Focuses on developing or elaborating on an existing idea or topic.

to increase

Directly indicates making something larger or more numerous.

to amplify

Suggests increasing the intensity or effect.

to append

Implies attaching or adding something at the end.

to attach to

Indicates physically or metaphorically joining something to something else.

FAQs

How can I use "to add to" in a sentence?

Use "to add to" when you want to supplement or increase something already mentioned. For example, "To add to the existing evidence, new research has emerged."

What are some alternatives to "to add to"?

Alternatives include "to supplement", "to augment", "to enhance", or "to build upon", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to include "to" before "add to"?

Yes, "to" is essential when using it as an infinitive phrase indicating purpose or intention. Omitting "to" changes the grammatical structure and meaning.

When is it better to use a more formal synonym for "to add to"?

In academic or formal writing, consider using synonyms like "to augment", "to supplement", or "to elaborate on" for a more sophisticated tone, especially when addressing complex topics.