Phrasal verbs "add on" vs "fall back on"

Differences between add on and fall back on

Add on means to include something extra or to increase the size or amount of something, while fall back on means to rely on something as a backup plan or alternative when other options are not available.

Meanings and Definitions: add on vs fall back on

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Add on

• 1. Include in a calculation.

  You have to ADD the VAT ON to the price they give.

Fall back on

• 1. Be able to use in an emergency.

  bank to FALL BACK ON when I lost my job.

Usage Examples: add on, fall back on in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

add on

Example

Please add on the shipping fee to the total cost.

Example

She adds on the tax to the price of the item.

fall back on

Example

If I lose my job, I can fall back on my savings.

Example

She falls back on her family for support when times are tough.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Add on

append

To add something at the end of a document or text.

Example

He decided to append a few more paragraphs to his essay to make it more comprehensive.

throw in

To add something extra or as a bonus to a deal or offer.

Example

The car dealer offered to throw in a free GPS system if we bought the car that day.

pile on

To add more of something, especially when it's already too much or overwhelming.

Example

She felt like her boss was piling on more work than she could handle in a day.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Fall back on

resort to

To turn to something as a last option or alternative.

Example

When he lost his job, he had to resort to selling his belongings to make ends meet.

fallback position

A secondary plan or strategy to rely on when the primary one fails.

Example

The company had a fallback position in case their new product launch didn't go as planned.

standby

Something kept ready to be used as a substitute or backup.

Example

The airline offered us a standby ticket in case our original flight got cancelled.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “add”

• add up to
• add up

Phrasal Verbs with “fall”

• fall down
• fall through
• fall out
• fall behind
• fall in with

Phrasal Verbs with “on”

• leap on
• chew on
• take on
• have on
• fall back on

Differences in add on vs fall back on: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: add on or fall back on?

In daily conversation, people use fall back on more often than add on. This is because fall back on is used in various situations where we need to rely on something else as a backup plan. Add on is not used as much in everyday conversation. It's mainly used when we're talking about adding something extra to an existing thing. So, while both phrases are used, fall back on is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of add on and fall back on

Add on and fall back on are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of add on and fall back on

The tone of add on and fall back on can differ based on context. Add on often carries a positive or enthusiastic tone when referring to adding something extra or enhancing something. On the other hand, fall back on typically has a negative or uncertain tone, especially when referring to relying on a backup plan or alternative.

add on & fall back on: Synonyms and Antonyms

Add on

Synonyms

• include
• attach
• join
• append
• combine
• integrate
• supplement
• incorporate

Antonyms

• subtract
• remove
• detach
• exclude
• separate
• eliminate
• take away

Fall back on

Synonyms

• rely on
• depend on
• resort to
• turn to
• lean on
• count on
• trust in
• use as a last resort

Antonyms

• abandon
• forsake
• ignore
• neglect
• disregard
• overlook