Everyday Grammar TV: Phrasal Verbs with 'Along'

Dr. J: A VOA Learning English fan asked us about the word “along.” Noura wanted to know why we use “along” with words such as “come,” and “tag.” Let’s observe some of the differences.
Dr. J voiceover: “Along” means in a line matching the length or direction of something. It can also mean near something. We can say this:
John: I am driving along the coast.
Dr. J voiceover: We use “along” in this sentence to say that we drove on a road that runs next to, or near, the coast.
Dr. J: Sometimes we use “along” with verbs such as “come,” or “tag.” As a result, we get special expressions known as phrasal verbs: “come along,” and “tag along.”
Let’s consider how we might use these phrasal verbs.
Dr. J voiceover: “Come along” means to go with or accompany someone. Imagine John asks you this:
John: I’m going to get a coffee. Would you like to come along?
Dr. J: In this question, John is asking if you would like to go with him for coffee.
Dr. J: “Tag along” is like “come along.” “Tag along” means to follow someone else, but with an added meaning that the person “tagging along” is just following the other person.
Let’s see how John uses “tag along” in a question.
John: I’m glad we are able to get coffee today. The one issue is that my little brother doesn’t have school today. Do you mind if he tags along?
Dr. J: Oh, not your little brother! Last time I saw him he spilled my coffee!
John: Here, I asked if it is OK that my little brother came with us to get coffee. “Tag along” suggests that my little brother will follow us and maybe we won’t be too happy about it.
Dr. J: And that’s Everyday Grammar TV
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