Phrasal verb
count up
To count up means to add numbers to find a total.
Meanings
To add numbers or amounts to find the total.
To count items one by one to find how many there are.
Definition
To count up means to calculate a total by adding numbers one by one. People often count up prices, points, or items to see the final amount. It can be done in your head, on paper, or with a calculator.
Examples
- I need to count up the costs before we order anything.
- Can you count up the votes from each group?
- She counted up the change and put it back in her wallet.
- They counted up the chairs to make sure everyone had a seat.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "count up" (add to get a total) with "count down" (count backward).
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.