Phrasal verb
add up
Meanings
To calculate a total by adding several numbers or amounts.
To seem reasonable or true when the facts are considered together.
Definition
To add up means to calculate a total by combining numbers.
If you add up numbers, you calculate the total by combining them. People often add up costs, scores, or amounts to check how much there is altogether. It can also mean that facts or explanations seem logical and consistent.
Examples
- I need to add up these expenses before I go shopping.
- Can you add up the points for our team?
- She added up the ingredients to make sure she had enough for the recipe.
- They tried to add up the clues, but the timeline still felt wrong.
Common mistake
Learners often say "add up it" instead of placing the object after the verb, e.g., "add it up."
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.