drag along

USAGE SUMMARY

"drag along" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used in a figurative sense to describe being forced to accompany someone or do something you would rather not. For example, "I don't want to go to the movies tonight, but my friends are making me drag along."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Too many people are overly nostalgic, she said, and "have a tendency just to drag along everything they've ever owned".

The New York Times

But then they've also got more weight to drag along, he adds - so it's not all good news for fatties.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Aerodynamic drag along with a million amps of current heats the bullet to 1,000 °C, igniting aluminum particles and leaving a trail of flame in its wake.

MIT Technology Review

1938 Filibuster Expected on Lynching Bill WASHINGTON — The anti-lynching filibuster started in the Senate yesterday [Jan . 6]by Senator Tom Connally (D., Texas) continued to drag along today seriously disrupting the Administration program.

The New York Times

What does it drag along with it?" (2, emphasis original).

Johns Hopkins University

However, the seller knew it was not really transferrable but rather it would drag along in a change of ownership.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

That is, assuming there is a semi-typical venture capital structure here: Drag-Along Rights.

The New York Times

"Drag-along rights" will sometimes be included — they force founders to sell their shares when the venture capitalist does.

The New York Times

Under that deal, FanDuel's majority investors, the private equity firms KKR and Shamrock Capital, exercised so-called drag-along rights to force smaller shareholders to sell.

The Times

Drag-along provisions, which limit the voting power of company executives, fell slightly, from 51percentt of deals to 48percentt.

The New York Times

With multiple business owners, consider including a drag-along clause.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "drag along", consider the connotation of reluctance or difficulty. Ensure the context aligns with this implied meaning to accurately convey the intended message.

Common error

Avoid using "drag along" when you simply mean to accompany someone willingly. The phrase implies a degree of resistance or obligation, so using it in the wrong context can misrepresent the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "drag along" primarily functions as a verb expressing action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It signifies causing someone or something to accompany, often against their will or with difficulty. The examples show usage in diverse contexts, both literal and figurative.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

21%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "drag along" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb that conveys the sense of forcing someone or something to accompany you, often with reluctance or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. While it appears in various contexts, it is primarily used in informal communication. When writing, be mindful of the negative connotation and ensure that the context is appropriate for this implied meaning. Consider using alternatives like "bring along" or "accompany" in more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tow along

Implies pulling something or someone behind, often with a rope or vehicle.

haul along

Suggests carrying or pulling something heavy or bulky.

lumber along

Emphasizes slow, heavy, and awkward movement.

shlep along

Suggests carrying something heavy and cumbersome with effort.

lug along

Implies carrying something heavy or difficult to manage.

tag along

Implies following someone closely, often without being explicitly invited.

bring along

Focuses on the act of taking someone or something with you.

escort

Suggests accompanying someone for protection or guidance.

accompany

A more formal term for going with someone.

convoy

Implies traveling together as a group, often for safety.

FAQs

What does "drag along" mean?

The phrasal verb "drag along" means to force someone or something to come with you, often when they are unwilling or difficult to move. It can also mean to involve someone or something in a situation, especially when they are not wanted or needed.

How can I use "drag along" in a sentence?

You can use "drag along" in sentences like, "I didn't want to go to the party, but my friends "made me drag along"" or "The company's poor performance "dragged along the entire industry"."

What are some alternatives to "drag along"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "tow along", "haul along", "bring along", or "tag along".

Is "drag along" formal or informal?

"Drag along" is generally considered to be an informal phrasal verb. It's more appropriate for casual conversation and writing than formal or professional contexts.