Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding the Phrasal Verb 'Add Up'

“In life's equations, strive to realize your dreams, ensuring all the small actions add up to a meaningful whole.”

📖 Definition

To ‘add up’ means to total or accumulate in terms of numerical addition or to make logical sense when considered collectively.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

'Add up' cannot be separated by objects.

Neutral

Used in both casual and formal contexts.

Transitive

'Add up' usually does not require a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	add up	These numbers add up correctly.
Past Simple	added up	All the expenses added up to a large amount.
Present Continuous	adding up	I am adding up the totals now.
Present Perfect	have added up	The figures have added up to a surprising result.

💡 When to Use

Checking calculations

Use 'add up' when verifying numerical totals in financial or mathematical contexts.

Example: “Please make sure all the figures add up before submitting the report.”

Logical reasoning

Employ 'add up' when evaluating if events or explanations are consistent or logical.

Example: “Their story doesn't add up; there are too many inconsistencies.”

Accumulative effects

Use 'add up' when discussing the incremental impact leading to significant results.

Example: “Small changes add up to a big difference over time.”

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect separation

❌ Wrong: Add all the numbers up.

✅ Correct: Add up all the numbers.

💡 Tip: Remember, 'add up' is inseparable.

Wrong context

❌ Wrong: Their argument didn't add up the solution.

✅ Correct: Their argument didn't add up.

💡 Tip: Use 'add up' for logical consistency, not objects.

Incorrect tense

❌ Wrong: They adds up the inventory quickly.

✅ Correct: They add up the inventory quickly.

💡 Tip: Ensure subject-verb agreement with 'add up'.

Practice

ADD UP – IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

The costs of weekly coffees slowly add up to a significant amount over months.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

When the data finally add up, we might find some surprising trends.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

The student’s efforts added up to an impressive final project.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

sum up tally

Antonyms

subtract

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

“The figures just don't ___; there must be an error.”

add

add up

combine

multiply

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Add Up

What is the origin of add up?

The phrase 'add up' originates from mathematics, meaning to perform addition. Over time, its figurative use evolved to denote something making sense logically or cumulatively.

Can add up be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Add up' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings. Its usage is common in business reports and everyday conversations alike, depicting numerical summation or logical conclusions.

What is the difference between add up and sum up?

'Add up' often refers to numerical addition or logical coherence, while 'sum up' means to briefly summarize or conclude. The former highlights accumulation, while the latter emphasizes concluding statements.

Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey