Pay attention to context; 'add up to' involves accumulation of things, usually numerical.

Context Clues

Understand that 'add up to' can describe how small amounts or acts contribute to a larger whole.

Small Contributions

It emphasizes the result of adding multiple things together.

Used when assessing if pieces of information logically come together.

Indicates the need to check the consistency of information or a story.

Shows skepticism about what’s being presented or told.