To accompany someone or a group informally, often without a specific invitation
Go with a group of people even though you weren't really asked to join
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To go somewhere with a person or group, especially without being formally invited
"My little brother always wants to tag along when I go out with my friends."
Can I tag along?
— Common idiomatic dialogue; attributed widely in American film and television (e.g., used in Friends, Season 1)
To continue to be attached to or associated with something over time, often unnecessarily
"Old habits tend to tag along even when you're trying to change."
To attach a tag to yourself and come along — the image of attaching loosely to a group.
Go with a group of people even though you weren't really asked to join
Often implies the person joining was not originally invited, though it can also be used neutrally. The tone can be slightly negative (implying the person is unwanted) or affectionate (a child tagging along with a parent). Commonly followed by 'with': 'tag along with someone'.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "tag along" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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