Phrasal verb
add up to
Meanings
to equal a particular total after combining separate amounts
to lead to a particular result or conclusion when considered together
Definition
If something adds up to a particular total, it reaches that total when you count everything together.
"Add up to" means to equal a total when separate amounts or parts are combined. You use it when you calculate numbers, time, or items and state the final result. It can also mean that facts or clues lead to a particular conclusion, showing what something really means.
Examples
- My weekly expenses add up to about $120.
- Your points add up to a higher score than mine.
- His training hours add up to more than a full day each week.
- Her story doesn’t add up to a believable explanation.
- Their small changes add up to a big improvement over time.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "add up to" (equal a total) with "add to" (increase something) and use the wrong one in totals.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.