"Add on" is a phrasal verb commonly used in informal speech and less frequently in formal contexts. It generally conveys the idea of appending or including an additional element to something that already exists, such as adding an extra item to a list or appending an additional cost to a bill. In informal settings, you might hear it in phrases like "Let's add on another pizza to the order," or "We can add on an extra day to our trip." While not typically used in formal writing, it may appear in business or technical contexts when discussing supplementary elements, such as "The project timeline allows us to add on extra features if needed." The use of "add on" is quite flexible, often appearing with objects that can be increased or extended, and it may be convertible into a noun form, "add-on," referring to items that are supplementary or additional.
B1
Intermediate
1. To attach or include something additional to an existing item or situation.
They're going to add on a new room to the house.
The software allows you to add on extra features if needed.
2. To increase the total amount or cost by including an extra part.
The services will add on to the total bill.
Don't forget to add on the tax when you calculate the cost.
3. To augment or improve something by adding an extra element.
The director decided to add on a surprise ending to the film.
She always manages to add on a little sparkle to any event.