may add on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may add on" is not standard in written English and may be considered awkward or incorrect.
It can be used when suggesting the possibility of including additional items or features, but a more concise expression is preferred. Example: "You may add on extra services to your subscription plan if you wish."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Hotels may add on an unanticipated charge.

The New York Times

A urologist who prescribes Viagra to help men achieve erections, for example, may add on an accompanying antidepressant, whose side effect, a dampening of libido, also reduces premature ejaculation.

The New York Times

Hence, systemic expansion of CD4+CD25+ T-lymphocytes may add on the concept of immune system pregnant-related suppression and might support the better clinical MS pregnancy course.

Plosone

However, before the slow lateral bond type conversion takes place, another dimer may add on longitudinally at the end of a PF with a higher rate (2→4).

Plosone

When patients have comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension, chronic lithium use may add on to the burden of declining eGFR but it is difficult to discern the effect of lithium from the effects of these illnesses.

BMC Psychiatry

In simple villages, people might dine on rice, yogurt, and and 'dal' (boiled tur dal ) Others may add on vegetable curries.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The Moody's decision may add to pressure on the Socialist government to deepen spending cuts as it starts drafting next year's budget.

The New York Times

The three-year study, published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS ONE, said that imidacloprid may add to stresses on bees such as malnutrition and parasites, but is not the sole cause of honeybee deaths if used in "realistic" levels.

The Guardian

China rebuked the US when it called for Pu's release earlier this month, and the charges may add to strain on a trip already complicated by tensions over the South China Sea.

The Guardian

Psychoterapies with cognitive-behavioural approach as well as physical and mental relaxation techniques may be usefull add on therapeutic strategies for migraine prevention.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

The ratings downgrade could make things worse as it may add to the pressure on the finance minister, Joaquim Levy, to introduce tighter austerity measures.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may add on", consider whether a more concise and direct verb like "include", "append", or "supplement" would improve clarity and flow. This is especially important in formal or professional writing.

Common error

Avoid using "may add on" excessively in formal writing. Opt for stronger verbs like "incorporate", "augment", or "integrate" to convey a more sophisticated and precise meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may add on" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating a possibility or suggestion of including something additional. Ludwig examples show its usage in various contexts, from hotel charges to medical treatments.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may add on" is a grammatically acceptable phrase that suggests the possibility of including something additional. However, Ludwig's analysis shows that it's often better to use more concise and direct alternatives like "include", "append", or "supplement", especially in formal contexts. The phrase is mostly used in news, science, and general writing. Despite its acceptability, keep in mind that it's not the most elegant or sophisticated choice, and as Ludwig AI also explained, there exist more concise options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could include

Suggests the possibility of incorporating something within a larger set.

may incorporate

Similar to "could include" but implies a more integrated addition.

can supplement

Focuses on adding something to enhance or complete something else.

might append

Focuses on adding something as a supplement, often to the end.

may augment

Suggests increasing something by adding to it.

can append

Suggests adding something to the end of a document or list.

might tack on

Implies adding something, often quickly or carelessly, to an existing item or plan.

might attach

Similar to 'could affix' but less formal.

could affix

Implies attaching something physically or figuratively.

may superadd

A more formal and less common way of saying 'may add'.

FAQs

What does "may add on" mean?

The phrase "may add on" suggests the possibility of including or appending something extra to an existing item or plan. It indicates an optional addition.

What can I say instead of "may add on"?

You can use alternatives like "might append", "could include", or "can supplement" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "may add on"?

While grammatically acceptable, "may add on" isn't the most elegant or concise phrase. More direct verbs often improve clarity. As Ludwig AI explains, a more concise expression is preferred.

What's the difference between "may add on" and "might include"?

"May add on" implies appending something extra, while "might include" suggests incorporating something within a larger set. The choice depends on whether the addition is supplemental or integral.