What are the definitions of “tack onto”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Add or attach something that wasn't planned to something.
I TACKED a quick message ONTO the end of the letter after I'd printed it.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “tack onto”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb tack onto is to add or attach something that wasn't planned or expected to something else. This can refer to adding a message to a letter, attaching a note to a document, or including an extra item to a list.
What are the different verb forms of “tack onto”?
| Root Verb | tack onto |
| Third Person Singular Present | tacks onto |
| Present Participle | tacking onto |
| Simple Past | tacked onto |
| Past Participle | tacked onto |
Example
She tacked onto the email a reminder about the meeting.
Example
He tacks onto the report an additional paragraph.
Example
They are tacking onto the agenda a last-minute item.
Example
I tacked onto the shopping list a few more items.
Example
The extra information was tacked onto the end of the presentation.
What kind of phrasal verb is “tack onto”?
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
“tack onto” 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 tacked a note onto the fridge.
Example
He tacked an extra slide onto the PowerPoint presentation.
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
“tack onto” 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 tacked a note onto the fridge.
Example
He tacked an extra slide onto the PowerPoint presentation.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “tack onto”?
Tack onto a conversation
Add an extra comment or piece of information to a conversation.
Example
He tacked onto the conversation a funny story about his weekend.
Tack onto a list
Add an item to a list, often as an afterthought.
Example
I tacked onto the grocery list a few more items we need.
Tack onto a document
Attach an additional piece of information or a note to a document.
Example
She tacked onto the document a comment about the formatting.
Good things to know
Does “tack onto” have an informal or formal tone?
Tack onto is generally considered a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. In more formal settings, it may be replaced with synonyms such as 'attach' or 'add'.
