English Reference

Phrasal verb

add up

Definition

phrasal verb. to seem logical or make sense. You also use this when you calculate the total of several numbers.

phrasal verb. to constitute a plausible or consistent narrative; also, to calculate the sum of a series of figures. The figurative sense is typically intransitive and occurs frequently in negative constructions.

Examples

“The numbers in this report don't add up correctly.”

“I've listened to his explanation twice, but the facts simply don't add up.”

“Although the witness appeared confident, the discrepancies in her timeline meant that her testimony did not add up under cross-examination.”

Examples

simple

“The numbers in this report don't add up correctly.”

contextual

“I've listened to his explanation twice, but the facts simply don't add up.”

complex

“Although the witness appeared confident, the discrepancies in her timeline meant that her testimony did not add up under cross-examination.”

Usage

In its figurative sense, this phrase is almost always used in the negative to show that something is suspicious.

Teaching tip

Help students see the connection between 'calculating a total' and 'facts coming together to form a logical conclusion'.

Pitfall

I can't add up his excuse.

His excuse doesn't add up.

When 'add up' means 'to make sense', it is intransitive and the thing that is confusing must be the subject.

Phrasal verb

Particles

up

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

subject + add + up

Synonyms

make sensetotaltallyring true

Antonyms

contradictclash

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference