ENGLISH
REFERENCE

add to sth

phr. v..
A2 Elementary Oxford

phr. v.. To make something bigger in amount, number, or size. You can also use it when you put one thing with another thing or group.

phr. v.. To increase the quantity, size, scope, or intensity of something. This phrasal verb is transitive and inseparable.


SIMPLE

He adds sugar to his coffee every morning.

CONTEXTUAL

The new wing will add to the museum's capacity, allowing for more exhibits.

COMPLEX

The unexpected witness testimony, far from clarifying the matter, only served to add to the layers of confusion surrounding the high-profile case.

Particles
to
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
add + to + object
Usage

Often used with abstract nouns like 'confusion', 'value', or 'problems' to mean 'increase'.

Teaching tip

Contrast with 'add up' (to calculate a total; to make sense) and 'add on' (to include an extra item or feature).

Pitfall

This will add our problems.This will add to our problems.The preposition 'to' is required to connect the verb 'add' with the thing being increased.

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