Expression: Add up
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This episode of Plain English explores the expression 'add up,' explaining how small individual elements can combine to create a significant total. The host, Jeff, uses real-life examples such as taxes on imported liquor, hidden calories in food additives, and monthly subscription costs to illustrate how seemingly minor expenses or factors can accumulate into substantial amounts. The concept extends beyond money to include non-monetary benefits in jobs—like remote work, flexible hours, and education reimbursement—and even personal decisions like choosing where to live, where small drawbacks can collectively outweigh the appeal of city living. The episode emphasizes the importance of awareness when managing budgets, health, and career choices. It concludes with a promotional segment highlighting Plain English's multilingual translation feature, which allows learners to instantly see translations of key words by hovering over them in the transcript, enhancing comprehension and vocabulary building.
Use 'add up' to describe how small individual items or costs combine to form a large total.
Be mindful of small, recurring expenses like streaming subscriptions or hidden calories—they can accumulate significantly.
Non-monetary job benefits, though individually small, can add up to a valuable overall package.
When making decisions, consider how multiple small disadvantages or advantages can collectively influence the outcome.
Use the Plain English website’s translation feature to instantly see definitions in your native language while listening.
Introduction to 'Add Up' and Duty-Free Shopping
Jeff introduces the expression 'add up' using the context of duty-free shopping and how various taxes can accumulate to 30% of a product's price.
Taxes and Fees on Imported Liquor
“All those taxes and fees can add up to about 30% of the cost of the product.”
Hidden Calories and Daily Food Choices
“All these little bits of food can add up to a few hundred extra calories a day.”
Streaming Subscriptions and Personal Budgets
“They can add up to $75 or even $100 per month.”
Non-Monetary Job Benefits and Decision-Making
“The smaller benefits can add up too.”
“All those taxes and fees can add up to about 30% of the cost of the product.”
“All these little bits of food can add up to a few hundred extra calories a day.”
“They can add up to $75 or even $100 per month.”
Host
Jeff
person
Plain English
media
Plain English Website
product
Translation Feature
product
Streaming Services
other
14-Day Free Trial
other
National Tax
other
Hover Translation
other
Local Tax
other
Duty-Free Shopping
other
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