Phrasal verb
add on
Definition
phrasal verb. to include something extra to what you already have or are buying.
phrasal verb. to include or attach an additional element to an existing entity or total; often used in commercial or construction contexts.
Examples
“They add on a service charge at the end of the meal.”
“When you book your flight online, the airline often tries to add on extra insurance or seat selection fees.”
“The developers plan to add on a new wing to the hospital to accommodate the growing number of patients in the district.”
Examples
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.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “add on” in context.
Verb
01. add on a fee
“The airline will add on a fee if your suitcase is too heavy.”
verb + noun
02. add on an extra room
“They decided to add on an extra room to their house for the new baby.”
verb + noun
03. add on to the price
“Tax is not included, so you must add on to the price shown on the tag.”
verb + prep + noun
04. automatically add on
“The website will automatically add on the shipping costs at the checkout.”
adv + verb
Noun
05. cost to add on
“What is the total cost to add on breakfast to our hotel booking?”
noun + infinitive
06. decision to add on
“The decision to add on more features delayed the software release.”
noun + infinitive
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'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
on
Separability
optional
Pattern
add (+ object) + on (+ to + object)
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/add-on