Phrasal verb
add to sth
Definition
phrasal verb. To make something bigger in amount, number, or size. You can also use it when you put one thing with another thing or group.
phrasal verb. To increase the quantity, size, scope, or intensity of something. This phrasal verb is transitive and inseparable.
Examples
“He adds sugar to his coffee every morning.”
“The new wing will add to the museum's capacity, allowing for more exhibits.”
“The unexpected witness testimony, far from clarifying the matter, only served to add to the layers of confusion surrounding the high-profile case.”
Examples
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.”
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.
Phrasal verb
Particles
to
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
add + to + object