gerund or present participle
Adding means putting one thing with another or including something in a group, list, or set.
She is adding tomatoes to the sauce.
By adding a new member, we will strengthen the team.
American English
How to pronounce adding
verbA2Very common word
AAdihng
/ˈæ.ɾɪŋ/
2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Form of add
Adding can name an activity or describe an action in progress.
Adding means putting one thing with another or including something in a group, list, or set.
What to listen for
In natural American English, the d in adding is often very quick, almost like a light r, so it can sound like /ˈæɾɪŋ/. The clearer /ˈædɪŋ/ is also correct.
Meanings & examples
gerund or present participle
Adding means combining numbers to find the total.
He is adding the numbers in his head.
By adding 8 and 7, you get 15.
gerund or present participle
Adding means giving extra information, words, or a comment when speaking or writing.
She is adding a note at the end of the report.
By adding a short explanation, she makes the instructions clearer.
gerund or present participle
Adding means making a quality, amount, or effect stronger or greater.
The delay is adding to our stress.
The new evidence is adding weight to her argument.
Useful expressions
To calculate the total of several numbers.
Add up the numbers on the receipt.
To make a particular total when combined.
The bills add up to $200.
To increase something or make it stronger.
The noise added to my headache.
Related words & forms
In added and adding, keep two d's.