What are the definitions of “tag along”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Accompany someone, especially if they haven't specifically invited you.
You're off to the cinema; can we TAG ALONG?
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “tag along”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb tag along is to accompany someone, even if they haven't specifically invited you. It often implies that the person joining the group or activity is doing so out of interest or curiosity.
What are the different verb forms of “tag along”?
| Root Verb | tag along |
| Third Person Singular Present | tags along |
| Present Participle | tagging along |
| Simple Past | tagged along |
| Past Participle | tagged along |
Example
My little brother always wants to tag along when I go out with my friends.
Example
She tags along with her coworkers to lunch every day.
Example
He is tagging along with us to the concert tonight.
Example
Yesterday, they tagged along with us to the amusement park.
Example
He had tagged along with his friends to the party.
What kind of phrasal verb is “tag along”?
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.)
Intransitive verb
“tag along” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
She tagged along when her friends went shopping.
Example
He tagged along to the meeting, even though he wasn't invited.
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
“tag along” 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 tagged along when her friends went shopping.
Example
He tagged along to the meeting, even though he wasn't invited.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “tag along”?
Tag along with someone
To accompany someone, usually without a specific invitation.
Example
I decided to tag along with my friends to the new art exhibit.
Tag-along rights
In business, the right of a minority shareholder to sell their shares under the same terms as the majority shareholder.
Example
The investor negotiated tag-along rights in the contract to protect their interests.
Tag-along friend
A person who accompanies a group or individual without being specifically invited.
Example
He was always the tag-along friend who joined us at parties, even though we never invited him.
Good things to know
Does “tag along” have an informal or formal tone?
Tag along is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, alternative phrases such as 'accompany' or 'join' may be more appropriate.
