tack on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tack on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrasal verb meaning to add or attach something as a supplement or addition to something else. For example: I needed to buy a few more things for the project so I decided to tack an extra $50 onto the budget.

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tack on the sign, unless the problem has a denominator of one or two.

WikiHow

They simply tack on a new fee.

The New York Times

Some companies tack on their own extras.

The New York Times

"We won't change our tack on that.

The New York Times - Sports

Finally, tack on The New York Times.

The New York Times

Now, I think they'd tack on a decade.

The New York Times

Buffalo does tack on more than $1,800 in fees.

The New York Times

The retailer will tack on another $100, so that's $200.

The New York Times

You tack on eye candy to theatre productions then".

The Guardian

The campaign took a similar tack on Tuesday.

The New York Times

"We've actually taken a very different tack on that.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing costs or fees, use "tack on" to clearly indicate an additional charge. For instance, "The hotel might tack on extra fees for room service."

Common error

While "tack on" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "append" or "incorporate" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "tack on" is as a phrasal verb, indicating the act of adding or attaching something extra. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use across diverse contexts, from financial additions to physical attachments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tack on" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the act of adding or attaching something extra. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across a wide range of contexts, particularly in news and media. While its neutral register makes it generally suitable for most communication, writers should consider more formal alternatives like "append" or "incorporate" in academic or highly professional settings. Remember to use "tack on" to indicate additions, and avoid overuse in formal writing to maintain clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Add on

Shares the direct meaning of supplementing, but carries less emphasis on attachment or imposition.

Append

Implies a more formal or technical addition, especially at the end of a document or list.

Attach

Focuses on the physical connection or association, sometimes without the sense of something extra.

Supplement

Highlights the idea of filling a deficiency or enhancing something already present.

Pile on

Suggests adding something in a large quantity or to an excessive degree.

Throw in

Implies a casual or spontaneous addition, often as an incentive.

Incorporate

Suggests a more integrated and essential addition, becoming part of the whole.

Include

Signifies adding something to a list or group, without necessarily being an extra.

Fasten

Emphasizes securely joining two things together.

Stick on

Indicates a less permanent or more informal way of joining something.

FAQs

What does "tack on" mean?

The phrasal verb "tack on" means to add something extra to something else, often an additional cost or item.

How can I use "tack on" in a sentence?

For example, "The airline will "add on" extra charges for checked baggage" or "The store will "include" a small fee for using a credit card".

What is a synonym for the expression "tack on"?

Some synonyms for "tack on" include "add on", "append", "attach", or "supplement".

Is it appropriate to use "tack on" in business writing?

Yes, it is suitable but consider the context. In formal business writing, using alternatives like "incorporate" or "include" may be more appropriate.