What does the phrasal verb “count up” mean?

What are the definitions of “count up”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Add.

  COUNT UP the number of tickets sold, please.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “count up”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb count up is to add or calculate the total of a group of numbers or items. For example, it can mean calculating the total amount of money collected, the number of people attending an event, or the number of items in a list.

What are the different verb forms of “count up”?

Root Verb	count up
Third Person Singular Present	counts up
Present Participle	counting up
Simple Past	counted up
Past Participle	counted up

Example

Please count up the number of people who attended the meeting.

Example

She counts up the money in the cash register at the end of the day.

Example

He is counting up the votes to determine the winner.

Example

Yesterday, they counted up all the donations they received.

Example

The total amount of money has been counted up and recorded.

What kind of phrasal verb is “count up”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“count up” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

She counted up the number of tickets sold.

Example

He counted up the money in the cash register.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“count up” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

She counted up the number of tickets sold.

Example

He counted up the money in the cash register.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “count up”?

Count up to

To count numbers in ascending order, starting from one and going up to a specific number.

Example

The child can count up to 100 without any help.

Count up the days

To calculate the number of days between two dates or events.

Example

She counted up the days until her vacation started.

Count up the cost

To calculate the total cost of something, such as a project or purchase.

Example

Before starting the renovation, they counted up the cost of all the materials needed.

Good things to know

Does “count up” have an informal or formal tone?

Count up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “count up”?

Synonyms

• calculate
• tally
• total
• compute
• add up
• sum up

Antonyms for {keyword}

• subtract
• remove
• decrease
• diminish
• reduce
• deduct