tag along

USAGE SUMMARY

"tag along" is a valid and widely used phrase in English.
You can use it when you want to say that someone is accompanying another person, usually against their will. For example: "My little brother always tags along when I go out with my friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

"My sister wanted to tag along," Kian wrote.

The New York Times - Sports

But I'll gladly tag along again next year.

The Guardian - Film

Sahara tends to tag along on these trips.

The New York Times - Magazine

How did you convince him to let you tag along?

The New York Times

Greening Hollywood can't wait to tag along!

Huffington Post

Switzerland (1-0-1) could talongong, too.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

"I was just tagging along," he said.

The New York Times

I tagged along, a silent éminence grise.

The New York Times

The rest of us tagged along behind.

The Guardian

Would it be O.K. if he tagged along?

The New York Times - Style

Kidder tagged along on Farmer's many trips to Cuba, Latin America and Russia.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tag along" to describe informally accompanying someone, especially when the invitation is not explicit or might be unwanted.

Common error

While "tag along" is common, it's best suited for informal settings. In professional or academic writing, opt for more formal alternatives like "accompany" or "join".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "tag along" functions as an intransitive verb, meaning it doesn't take a direct object. It describes the action of joining someone or a group, often informally or without a specific invitation. Ludwig AI validates this usage, showcasing numerous examples where it indicates accompaniment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

99%

Science

0.33%

Formal & Business

0.33%

Less common in

Wiki

0.33%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tag along" is a very common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to describe informally accompanying someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as an intransitive verb. While widely accepted, it is best suited for informal contexts. If you're looking for alternatives, consider options like "accompany" or "join", but avoid using "tag along" in formal writing. Its frequent appearance in sources like The New York Times and The Guardian indicates its widespread use in journalistic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

come along

This is very similar to "tag along" and is often used interchangeably.

go with

This is a simple and direct alternative, indicating that you are joining someone on their journey or activity.

accompany

This is a more formal way of saying "tag along", suggesting a deliberate act of joining someone.

join

This suggests a more active participation compared to just following.

follow

This implies a more passive role, where you are simply going after someone.

go along with

This suggests agreement or support, in addition to simply joining.

hang around with

This implies spending time together, often informally.

stick with

This suggests loyalty or dependence, staying close to someone for support or guidance.

travel with

This specifically refers to traveling together, often for a longer duration.

shadow

This implies following someone closely and often secretly, like a detective or apprentice.

FAQs

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

You can use "tag along" to describe someone joining another person or group, often without a specific invitation. For example, "I asked if I could "tag along" when they went to the beach".

What are some alternatives to "tag along"?

Depending on the context, you can use "accompany", "join", "come along", or "go with" as alternatives to "tag along".

Is it grammatically correct to say "tag along"?

Yes, "tag along" is a grammatically correct phrasal verb in English. It's widely used in informal and conversational contexts.

What is the difference between "tag along" and "accompany"?

"Tag along" implies a less formal and potentially uninvited joining, whereas "accompany" suggests a more formal and deliberate act of joining someone.