to tack on

USAGE SUMMARY

"to tack on" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to adding something extra or additional to an existing item or situation. Example: "We decided to tack on an extra day to our vacation." Alternative expressions include "add on," "attach," and "include."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

You are planning a trip to one country and decide to tack on a few others in the neighborhood.

The Washington Post

No one gains from his draconian decision to tack on those 15 extra months to Kerik's sentence.

Huffington Post

The Mets were fortunate to tack on a third run in the eighth.

The New York Times - Sports

Some Democrats, meanwhile, are seeking to tack on privacy protection measures.

The New York Times

The algorithm provides an answer to the perennial question when to tack on upwind courses.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

He tried to tack on top of New Zealand to keep her from passing.

The New York Times - Sports

It's not enough this time around, though, simply to tack on computer-generated beats.

The Guardian - Music

Campaign reform foes will try to tack on anti-union measures to drive Democrats away.

The New York Times

Of course, you'll probably want to tack on a side trip.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Imagine if they tried to tack-on some of these other things Scoble is suggesting?

TechCrunch

Others, like Yahoo Mail, are now trying to tack-on status updates and the stream to email services too.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to tack on", ensure the context clearly indicates that you are adding something extra or additional to an existing item, plan, or situation. This phrase is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal writing.

Common error

While "to tack on" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal documents like legal briefs or academic papers. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms such as "to append" or "to supplement" /s/to+supplement to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to tack on" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of adding something extra or additional to an existing item or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status, aligning with numerous examples found in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

13%

Science

10%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to tack on" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the act of adding something extra or additional. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, including news and media, academia, and general conversation. While synonyms like "to add on" or "to supplement" may be preferred in more formal settings, "to tack on" remains a widely understood and accepted phrase for indicating augmentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to add on

Focuses on the simple act of adding something extra. It is a more direct and commonly used alternative.

to tag on

Similar to "to tack on" but can sometimes imply a less formal or more casual addition.

to append

Implies adding something at the end, typically in a more formal or technical context.

to attach

Suggests connecting something to something else, often physically or digitally.

to include

Indicates adding something as part of a larger whole or set.

to supplement

Highlights the act of adding something to improve or complete something else.

to bolt on

Implies adding something quickly or as an afterthought, often with a mechanical or technical connotation.

to affix

Implies firmly attaching or adding something, often with a sense of permanence.

to superimpose

Suggests placing one thing on top of another, often creating a combined image or effect.

to slap on

Suggests adding something carelessly or hastily, often without much attention to detail.

FAQs

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

You can use "to tack on" to describe adding something extra to an existing item or plan. For example, "They decided to tack on an extra day to their vacation" or "The company tried to tack on additional fees to the bill".

What are some alternatives to "to tack on"?

Some alternatives to "to tack on" include "to add on", "to append", "to include", or "to supplement", depending on the specific context.

Is "to tack on" formal or informal?

"To tack on" is generally considered acceptable in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "to append" or "to supplement" may be preferred in certain situations.

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

While "to add on" and "to tack on" are similar, "to tack on" often implies a more casual or less essential addition. "To add on" is a more general term for simply including something extra.