What are the definitions of “add on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Include in a calculation.
You have to ADD the VAT ON to the price they give.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “add on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb add on is to include something extra or additional in a calculation or a list. For example, it can mean adding taxes or fees to the price of a product or service.
What are the different verb forms of “add on”?
| Root Verb | add on |
| Third Person Singular Present | adds on |
| Present Participle | adding on |
| Simple Past | added on |
| Past Participle | added on |
Example
Please add on the shipping fee to the total cost.
Example
She adds on the tax to the price of the item.
Example
He is adding on the service charge to the bill.
Example
Yesterday, they added on the extra fees to our invoice.
Example
The cost of the materials was added on to the final price.
What kind of phrasal verb is “add on”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“add on” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She added on the tax to the price.
Example
He added the tax on to the price.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“add on” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She added on the tax to the price.
Example
He added the tax on to the price.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “add on”?
Add-on
A supplementary component or accessory that can be added to a product or service to enhance its features or functionality.
Example
The software has several useful add-ons that can improve its performance.
Add on charges
Extra fees or costs that are added to the base price of a product or service.
Example
Be aware of any add on charges when booking a hotel room.
Good things to know
Does “add on” have an informal or formal tone?
Add on is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as business or financial discussions.
