Differences between add up and sum up
Add up and sum up are both used to refer to the process of calculating a total amount, but add up is more commonly used to describe the act of adding small amounts together to get a larger total, while sum up is used to describe the act of adding up larger amounts or summarizing information.
Meanings and Definitions: add up vs sum 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.
Sum up
- 1Summarise.
At the end of the lecture, she SUMMED UP the main points again.
Usage Examples: add up, sum 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.
sum up
Example
Can you sum up the main points of the meeting?
Example
He sums up the news article in a few sentences.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Add up
total up
To calculate the total amount of something by adding individual amounts together.
Example
I need to total up my expenses for the month to see how much money I have left.
tally up
To count or add up a list of items or scores to determine a final total.
Example
After the game, we tallied up the scores to see who won.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Sum up
To summarize the main points or events of something that has already been discussed or presented.
Example
Can you recap the key takeaways from the meeting?
To give a brief summary or overview of the main points or structure of something.
Example
Before starting the project, the team leader outlined the goals and objectives.
synopsize
To summarize or condense a longer text or piece of information into a shorter version.
Example
The book jacket synopsized the plot of the novel in just a few sentences.
Differences in add up vs sum up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: add up or sum up?
In everyday conversation, add up is more common than sum up. This is because add up is used in a wider range of contexts, such as calculating expenses or keeping track of scores. Sum up is less common and is usually used in more formal settings, such as academic or business contexts.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of add up and sum up
Add up and sum up are both relatively informal phrases that can be used in casual conversations. However, sum up is considered slightly more formal than add up, and is therefore more appropriate in formal settings.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of add up and sum up
The tone of add up and sum up can differ based on context. Add up often carries a practical or analytical tone when referring to calculations or keeping track of numbers, while sum up typically has a more reflective or summarizing tone, especially when referring to summarizing information or ideas.
