What Does “Add sb sth” Mean?
“Add sb sth” means to give or provide someone with something by adding it. It is a common structure where “sb” stands for somebody and “sth” for something.
Introduction
The phrase “Add sb sth” is a useful expression in English that means to provide or give someone something by including it. Understanding the Add sb sth meaning helps learners use this structure correctly in both spoken and written English. It is often used when you want to say that you are adding an item, information, or feature for someone. This pattern is common in everyday conversations, formal writing, and instructions. Knowing how to use “Add sb sth” will improve your ability to communicate clearly when describing actions involving giving or including something to a person.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: Add sb sth (Add somebody something)
- Type: Transitive
- Level: A2-B1 (Elementary to Intermediate)
- Short meaning: To give or provide someone with something
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Add sb sth” is a double object construction where you add an indirect object (sb) and a direct object (sth) after the verb “add”.
- Pattern: Add + somebody + something
- Example: Add her some sugar.
- This structure is separable, meaning you cannot put anything between “add” and the objects.
- You can also say: Add something to somebody, but it is less common.
Examples
- Can you add me some milk to my coffee?
- The teacher added the students extra homework.
- Please add him your phone number.
- She added us some sugar in the recipe.
- They added the guests some new chairs for the party.
These examples show how “Add sb sth” is used naturally in sentences.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: Add some milk me.
Correct: Add me some milk. - Incorrect: Add to me some sugar.
Correct: Add me some sugar. - Incorrect: Add me to some sugar.
Correct: Add me some sugar.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar structures include:
- Give sb sth: Means to hand or provide something to someone. Example: Give me the book.
- Send sb sth: Means to cause something to be delivered. Example: Send her a letter.
- Add sb sth focuses on including or putting something for someone, often in contexts like cooking, instructions, or services.
The main difference is that “add” implies increasing or including something, while “give” or “send” focus on transferring possession or delivery.
Common Collocations
- add sb some sugar
- add sb extra time
- add sb new features
- add sb information
- add sb ingredients
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of add sb sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: Can you add me some salt to the soup?
John: Sure, I will add you some right now.
Anna: Thanks! Also, can you add the guests some more chairs?
John: No problem. I will add them some chairs before the party starts.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence:
- a) Add me some sugar to the tea.
- b) Add some sugar me to the tea.
- c) Add some sugar to me the tea.
Answer: a) Add me some sugar to the tea.
FAQs
- Q: Is “Add sb sth” formal or informal?
A: It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. - Q: Can I say “Add something to somebody” instead?
A: Yes, but “Add sb sth” is more common in everyday speech. - Q: What does “sb” and “sth” mean?
A: “Sb” means somebody, and “sth” means something. - Q: Is “Add sb sth” separable?
A: Yes, the objects must come immediately after the verb. - Q: Can I use “Add sb sth” with all verbs?
A: No, this structure is specific to some verbs like “add,” “give,” “send,” etc.
