Phrasal Verb: Add up to
English Meaning: Build up in combination with existing events
Hindi Meaning: संयोजन में बढ़ना
Slug: add-up-to-meaning-usage-examples
The phrasal verb “add up to” is often used to describe how small actions, numbers, or events combine over time to create a significant result or total. It reflects cumulative impact—when individual elements, though minor on their own, collectively amount to something bigger. Whether in mathematical, logical, or situational contexts, “add up to” helps explain buildup and outcomes.
What Does “Add up to” Mean?
“Add up to” has two primary uses:
- To total a certain amount: When several numbers or items combine to make a final sum.
- To lead to a result: When different events or factors combine to produce a certain outcome.
In Hindi, “add up to” translates to “संयोजन में बढ़ना” or “मिलकर कुल मिलाना”, indicating accumulation or a result due to a combination.
Hindi Meaning of “Add up to”
For Hindi speakers, “add up to” is best understood as:
- Summation: “मिलाकर बनना” – When separate amounts together form a total.
- Cumulative result: “संयोजन में बढ़ना” – When combined actions or effects lead to a particular outcome.
For example:
- “All the small fees added up to a large amount” translates to “सभी छोटी-छोटी फीस मिलकर एक बड़ी राशि बन गई।”
- “His efforts, though small, added up to real change” translates to “उसके प्रयास, हालांकि छोटे थे, लेकिन मिलकर वास्तविक बदलाव लाए।”
How to Use “Add up to” in Sentences
Below are five practical examples showing how to use “add up to” in different situations:
Example 1: The extra charges added up to more than expected.
Hindi: अतिरिक्त शुल्क मिलाकर उम्मीद से ज़्यादा हो गए।
Example 2: Her daily actions of kindness added up to a big impact on the community.
Hindi: उसके रोज़ के दयालु कार्यों ने मिलकर समुदाय पर बड़ा प्रभाव डाला।
Example 3: All the evidence added up to a strong case against him.
Hindi: सारे सबूत मिलकर उसके खिलाफ एक मजबूत मामला बन गए।
Example 4: These small donations added up to thousands of rupees.
Hindi: ये छोटी-छोटी दान की राशियाँ मिलकर हजारों रुपये बन गईं।
Example 5: The delays and miscommunications added up to a complete failure of the project.
Hindi: देरी और गलतफहमियाँ मिलकर परियोजना की पूरी विफलता का कारण बनीं।
Common Mistakes When Using “Add up to”
Incorrect: “Her actions add up the success.”
Correct: “Her actions add up to success.”
Incorrect: “All the expenses added up.” (if you mean they formed a total) Correct: “All the expenses added up to a large sum.”
Questions for Test
- What does the phrasal verb “add up to” mean in relation to events?
- How would you use “add up to” in a sentence about donations?
- What is the Hindi translation of “add up to” in terms of combining efforts?
- Can “add up to” be used metaphorically? Provide an example.
- Rewrite the sentence “These issues caused a major problem” using “add up to.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between “add up” and “add up to”?
“Add up” means to calculate a total or to make sense, while “add up to” refers to the final result or outcome formed by combining parts.
Can “add up to” be used in formal writing?
Yes, especially in essays, reports, and discussions that involve analyzing causes and effects.
Is “add up to” used in storytelling or casual speech?
Definitely. For example: “All his little lies added up to a big betrayal.”
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