Differences between add up and rack up
Add up means to make sense or to calculate a sum, while rack up means to accumulate or collect something, usually negative.
Meanings and Definitions: add up vs rack 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.
Rack up
- 1Acquire a lot of something.
He's RACKED UP a number of convictions for speeding.
- 2Damage.
They RACKED UP the car in an accident.
Usage Examples: add up, rack 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.
rack up
Example
She managed to rack up a lot of points in the game.
Example
He racks up a lot of frequent flyer miles with his job.
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 if I stayed within my budget.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Rack up
To gather or collect something over time.
Example
He managed to accumulate a large collection of stamps from different countries.
run up
To accumulate a debt or bill.
Example
She ran up a huge credit card bill by buying things she couldn't afford.
To gather or collect a large amount of something.
Example
Over the years, he was able to amass a valuable collection of antique furniture.
Differences in add up vs rack up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: add up or rack up?
In daily conversation, people use add up more often than rack up. This is because add up can be used in various contexts, such as understanding a situation or calculating expenses. Rack up is less common and often used in specific situations, such as accumulating debt or points in a game.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of add up and rack up
Add up and rack up are both informal phrases that are suitable for everyday conversations. However, rack up may have a slightly more casual tone due to its association with games and sports.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of add up and rack up
The tone of add up and rack up can differ based on context. Add up often carries a logical or analytical tone when related to calculations or reasoning, while rack up typically has a competitive or negative tone, especially when referring to accumulating debt or penalties.
