Grammar fix
rack up
accumulate (especially something negative or measurable, e.g. debts, points, losses, injuries)
to gradually collect or achieve a large number or amount of something, especially something that can be counted or measured, often with a negative or competitive connotation.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
He managed to rack up thousands of dollars in credit card debt before he even graduated.
During my university years, I unfortunately racked up several late fees because I kept forgetting to return library books on time.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: They racked up on debts.
Say: They racked up debts.
'Rack up' takes the object directly — no 'on'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Rack up' is the casual verb for piling up totals; 'accumulate a substantial quantity' is formal.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
rack up + total
- debts
- points
- miles
- fines