tack on + noun
Add something extra
Use tack on to mean adding an extra item, cost, or detail.
The hotel tacked on extra charges.
How to use “tack on” with prepositions
Tack on usually means “add something extra.” It is commonly followed by to when naming what receives the addition. Onto is possible with physical movement. Across and as are not standard complements after tack on.
Quick answer
Most common use
Use tack on for adding something extra. Use tack on to when you mention the thing receiving the addition. Use tack onto mainly for physical attachment or movement onto a surface.
They tacked on a service fee.
The editor tacked a paragraph on to the report.
She tacked the note onto the board.
The editor tacked a paragraph on to the report.
She tacked the note onto the board.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
tack on to + noun
Show what receives the addition
Use to after tack on when naming the document, bill, plan, or object receiving the extra part.
They tacked a final section on to the proposal.
tack onto + surface
Attach physically onto something
Onto is natural when something is physically attached or moved to a surface.
He tacked the poster onto the wall.
tack on as + role
Use as in a separate role phrase
As is not selected by tack on itself, but it can introduce the role or function of the added item.
They tacked on a glossary as a teaching aid.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
tack on
They tacked on a delivery fee.
add something extra
tack on to
She tacked an appendix on to the report.
add something to a larger item
tack onto
He tacked the sign onto the fence.
attach onto a surface
tack across
They sailed across the bay and tacked repeatedly.
Across relates to movement, not a complement after tack on
tack on as
The company tacked on training as a bonus feature.
As introduces the function of the added item, not a fixed pattern
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using across as a complement
Across does not normally follow tack on to mean addition.
✕ They tacked a fee across the bill. ✓ They tacked a fee on to the bill.Confusing onto and on to
Onto is often physical. On to is common when adding something to a document or plan.
✕ She tacked a conclusion onto the report. ✓ She tacked a conclusion on to the report.Using as directly after tack on
As does not form a standard verb-preposition combination with tack on.
✕ They tacked on as a solution. ✓ They tacked on a solution.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. They tacked an extra fee ___ the final bill.
2. He tacked the notice ___ the door.
3. Which sentence is natural? ___
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Frequently asked questions
Is tack on separable?
Yes. You can say tack on a charge or tack a charge on.
What is the difference between onto and on to?
Onto is common for physical movement or attachment. On to is often preferred when adding something to a document or plan.
Can I use tack on with people?
Yes, informally. For example: They tacked me on to the project at the last minute.
Related preposition guides
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