Phrasal verbs "add on" vs "add up"

Differences between add on and add up

Add on means to include an additional item or feature, while add up means to calculate the total of a set of numbers or to make sense.

Meanings and Definitions: add on vs add up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Add on

  • 1Include in a calculation.

    You have to ADD the VAT ON to the price they give.

Add up

  • 1To make a mathematical total.

    We ADDED UP the bill to check it was correct.

  • 2Be a satisfactory explanantion for something.

    She explained why the work wasn't ready, but her story doesn't ADD UP.

Usage Examples: add on, add up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

add on

Example

Please add on the shipping fee to the total cost.

Example

She adds on the tax to the price of the item.

add up

Example

Please add up the numbers on this list.

Example

She adds up the daily expenses every evening.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Add on

To add something at the end of a document or text.

Example

He decided to append a few more paragraphs to his essay to make it more comprehensive.

To add something extra to a deal or offer.

Example

The salesman decided to throw in a free warranty with the purchase of the car.

To add something extra to an existing item or feature.

Example

The contractor decided to tag on an additional room to the house's original design.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Add up

To be logical or reasonable.

Example

Her explanation didn't make sense to me, so I asked her to clarify it.

total up

To calculate the sum of a set of numbers.

Example

She quickly totaled up the expenses for the month and realized she had overspent.

To calculate or determine a value using mathematical operations.

Example

The computer program was able to compute the complex equation in seconds.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “add”

Phrasal Verbs with “on”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in add on vs add up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: add on or add up?

In daily conversation, add up is more common than add on. This is because add up is used in various contexts, such as math, finance, and even in everyday situations. Add on is less common and is mainly used when referring to adding something extra to an existing item or feature.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of add on and add up

Add up and add on are both informal phrases suitable for casual conversations. However, add up can also be used in more formal settings like business or academic contexts when referring to calculations or financial matters.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of add on and add up

The tone of add on and add up can differ based on context. Add on often carries a positive or exciting tone when referring to adding something extra, while add up can carry a neutral or negative tone when referring to making sense of a situation or calculation.

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