add up to
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words
When everything is combined, to reach a certain total or to mean a certain thing.
Literal meaning: The numbers climb up and arrive at a specific destination (total).
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
To reach a particular total when everything is added together.
"The costs of transport, food, and accommodation add up to over £500."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To amount to something significant (or not); to represent a particular conclusion or meaning.
"All these small complaints add up to a very serious problem with workplace culture."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Used both literally (the total sum) and figuratively (overall significance). 'All this evidence adds up to a clear conclusion' is a typical figurative use. Common in academic and analytical writing.
Commonly used with
total conclusion pattern nothing something disaster
Forms
Base
add up to
I/you/we/they
3rd person
adds up to
he/she/it
Past simple
added up to
yesterday
Past participle
added up to
have + pp
-ing form
adding up to
continuous
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Synonyms
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