Differences between add up and grow up
Add up means to make sense or to calculate a sum, while grow up means to mature or develop from childhood to adulthood.
Meanings and Definitions: add up vs grow up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
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.
Grow up
- 1Mature, become adult.
He GREW UP in the West Country.
- 2Arise, emerge.
The industry GREW UP very quickly.
- 3Develop in a place or for a reason ( city, town, etc ).
The town GREW UP as a trading post.
Usage Examples: add up, grow up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
add up
Example
Please add up the numbers on this list.
Example
She adds up the daily expenses every evening.
grow up
Example
Children grow up so fast these days.
Example
She grows up in a loving family.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Add up
total up
To calculate the sum of something.
Example
I need to total up my expenses for the month to see how much money I have left.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Grow up
To become more responsible and adult-like in behavior.
Example
She needs to mature and start taking her studies seriously if she wants to succeed in college.
To progress or advance in a particular way.
Example
He hopes to develop his skills in photography and become a professional photographer someday.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “grow”
Phrasal Verbs with “up”
Differences in add up vs grow up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: add up or grow up?
In daily conversation, people use grow up more often than add up. This is because grow up is used to describe a natural process that everyone goes through, while add up is used less frequently and only in specific situations such as calculating expenses or understanding a situation. So, while both phrases are used, grow up is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of add up and grow up
Add up and grow up are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of add up and grow up
The tone of add up and grow up can differ based on context. Add up often carries a curious or skeptical tone when related to understanding a situation or calculating expenses, while grow up typically has a reflective or nostalgic tone, especially when referring to childhood memories or personal growth.
