add on to

USAGE SUMMARY

"add on to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to mean "to add an extra component or portion" or "to extend or increase something". For example: "To make the dress even more special, I decided to add on to it with some embroidery."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

This is optional, but it will add on to your dark style.

WikiHow

Join in or add on to jokes, crack one when appropriate, and laugh things off.

WikiHow

Is it an add on to geography ?

BBC

We decided to develop an OSGIS and add on to be used for free.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

"I feel like I could add on to that".

Los Angeles Times

Add on to that the fact that white people already see you in a problematic way.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

As an add-on to existing politics, this is wonderful.

The New York Times

This, Ashford, is sort of an add-on to Ardmore.

The New York Times - Arts

Or as an expensive add-on to basic teaching methods?

The Economist

A legal add-on to the withdrawal agreement.

The Guardian

One-day series are a necessary add-on to satisfy TV paymasters and bring in cash.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "add on to" when you want to convey the idea of increasing or extending something by including more elements or information. It's suitable for both physical additions and abstract concepts.

Common error

While "add on to" is acceptable, overuse in formal contexts can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Opt for alternatives like "supplement", "augment", or "append" to maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "add on to" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of increasing or extending something by attaching or including additional elements. Ludwig shows various examples in contexts from casual to professional.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

News & Media

24%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "add on to" is a versatile phrasal verb used to express the idea of increasing or extending something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, especially in Wiki, News & Media, and Science. While generally neutral in tone, it's advisable to consider more formal synonyms like "supplement" or "augment" in academic or professional writing. Remember to use "add on to" when the intention is to attach or include something additional to an existing entity or concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

append to

Focuses on attaching something at the end, often in a more formal or technical context.

supplement with

Suggests providing something extra to enhance or complete something else.

augment with

Implies increasing or improving something by adding to it.

build upon

Emphasizes developing something further based on an existing foundation.

increase with

Focuses on the action of making something bigger by adding elements.

tack on to

Suggests adding something, often quickly or casually, sometimes as an afterthought.

affix to

Implies attaching something physically or formally to something else.

attach to

A more general term for connecting something to something else.

contribute to

Highlights the action of giving something to help achieve a result or add to a collection.

expand upon

Signifies providing greater detail or further explanation on a topic.

FAQs

How can I use "add on to" in a sentence?

You can use "add on to" to indicate an addition or extension, as in: "They decided to "add on to" the house with a new bedroom", or "I wanted to "add on to" the narrative of our experience".

What's the difference between "add to" and "add on to"?

"Add to" is a broader term indicating an increase or contribution, while "add on to" specifically implies an attachment or extension to something already existing. For example, you can "add to" a collection, but you "add on to" a building.

Are there any formal alternatives to "add on to"?

Yes, in formal contexts, you can use alternatives like "supplement", "augment", or "append", which convey a similar meaning with a more elevated tone.

Is it correct to use "add on to" in academic writing?

Yes, it's generally acceptable, but consider using more formal synonyms like "augment" or "supplement" for a more academic tone. Ensure the usage aligns with the specific context and style guidelines.