ENGLISH
REFERENCE

add on

phr. v..
B1 Intermediate Oxford

phr. v.. to include something extra to what you already have or are buying.

phr. v.. to include or attach an additional element to an existing entity or total; often used in commercial or construction contexts.


SIMPLE

They add on a service charge at the end of the meal.

CONTEXTUAL

When you book your flight online, the airline often tries to add on extra insurance or seat selection fees.

COMPLEX

The developers plan to add on a new wing to the hospital to accommodate the growing number of patients in the district.

Particles
on
Separability
optional
Pattern
add (+ object) + on (+ to + object)
Usage

commonly used with costs, fees, or physical extensions to buildings.

Teaching tip

distinguish from the noun 'add-on' (hyphenated) which refers to the extra item itself; as a verb, it is often used in the passive voice regarding taxes or fees.

Pitfall

The tax was added on the price.The tax was added on to the price.when 'add on' is followed by a destination or target, the preposition 'to' is required after the particle 'on'.

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