Phrasal verb
add up to
Definition
phrasal verb. to produce a specific total when numbers are joined together, or to result in a particular situation.
phrasal verb. to yield a specific sum or total; figuratively, to result in or constitute a particular outcome or conclusion.
Examples
“The small costs add up to a lot of money.”
“All these minor delays add up to a significant problem for the project timeline.”
“While each individual change seems minor, collectively they add up to a fundamental shift in the company's corporate culture.”
Examples
simple
“The small costs add up to a lot of money.”
contextual
“All these minor delays add up to a significant problem for the project timeline.”
complex
“While each individual change seems minor, collectively they add up to a fundamental shift in the company's corporate culture.”
Usage
usually followed by a noun phrase representing a total amount or a final result.
Teaching tip
distinguish between the literal mathematical sense and the figurative sense of 'resulting in'; both uses are common in business and daily life.
Pitfall
The bills add up for 50 dollars.
The bills add up to 50 dollars.
the preposition 'to' is required to indicate the final total or result.
Phrasal verb
Particles
up to
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
add + up + to + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/add-up-to