Extend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Extend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to lengthening, increasing, or expanding something, such as time, space, or an invitation. Example: "We would like to extend the deadline for submissions to next Friday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The strain is likely to grow more acute as the government depends on helicopter gunships to extend its reach to parts of the country rendered impassable to logistics convoys and even armored vehicles by the rebels' improvised bombs.

The New York Times

The displaced groups were expected to be living in the tents for up to eight weeks and authorities won't know until Cyclone Nathan has passed whether damage caused is likely to extend that.

The Guardian

The seats extend beyond inner-city areas to include places such as Southampton, Oxford, Sherwood, Ipswich and Northampton.

The Guardian

There is disagreement over the distance that the positive effects of clustering actually extend to, however, meaning that the generation of synergetic 'cluster effects' (as they are commonly understood) between firms in Manchester and firms in Newcastle for example could prove difficult.

The Guardian

This may be less than is needed just to maintain existing services, let alone extend them.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, this warm welcome does not extend to his party and that is the real message that Livingstone must take away with him if he wants to be re-elected as London mayor in 2012.

The Guardian - Opinion

This might be viewed simply as a reprisal for Saudi participation in the US-led bombing campaign against Isis, but Isis has also been seeking to extend the current conflict in Syria and Iraq into Saudi territory.

The Guardian - Opinion

Pirlo, who did not even make it off the bench on Sunday, has not made the brightest of starts but the speculation that he might not extend his contract past the end of this year is likely overblown.

The Guardian - Sport

Ed Miliband had put his finger on one of the biggest issues of our time: the need for prosperity to extend beyond the top 1%.

The Guardian - Opinion

It could also extend links with Zimbabwe in the not-too-distant future.

The Guardian

Extend it to others – make it enough for others – and be moderate on taking, but be generous on giving.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Extend", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being lengthened or expanded, whether it's time, space, or an abstract concept. This avoids ambiguity and enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "Extend" in overly abstract or vague contexts where a more specific verb would be more appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "Extend your thinking," consider "Expand your perspective" or "Deepen your understanding."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Extend" is as a verb. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile, capable of expressing actions that lengthen, increase, or expand something. Examples show it used transitively (e.g., "extend the deadline") and intransitively (e.g., "gales are expected to extend").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Extend" is a versatile verb frequently used to describe the act of lengthening, increasing, or expanding something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. As evidenced by numerous examples from authoritative sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times, "Extend" is commonly employed in news and media contexts. While it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication, it is essential to ensure clarity by specifying what is being lengthened or expanded. Alternatives like "prolong", "lengthen", and "expand" can offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Prolong

Focuses on making something last longer, specifically in duration.

Lengthen

Emphasizes increasing the physical length of something.

Expand

Highlights the act of becoming larger in size, scope, or range.

Increase

General term for making something larger or greater.

Broaden

Implies making something wider or more inclusive.

Continue

Suggests maintaining something without interruption.

Offer

Focuses on presenting something, such as an invitation or assistance.

Stretch

Implies making something longer or wider by pulling.

Amplify

Highlights the act of increasing the magnitude or importance of something.

Supplement

Suggests adding to something to enhance or complete it.

FAQs

How can I use "Extend" in a sentence?

You can use "Extend" in various contexts. For example, "We need to extend the deadline" or "They decided to extend the road". Depending on the situation, the phrase can refer to prolonging a duration or increasing the scope of something.

What are some alternatives to "Extend"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "Extend" include "prolong", "lengthen", "expand", or "increase".

When is it appropriate to use "Extend" instead of "Expand"?

"Extend" is more appropriate when referring to making something longer in a linear sense, either in time or space. "Expand" is better when referring to increasing the scope, size, or range of something. For example, you would "extend" a deadline but "expand" your knowledge.

Is "Extend on" grammatically correct?

While "Extend" can be followed by prepositions like "to" or "beyond", using "extend on" is less common. It's usually better to rephrase to improve clarity, such as "extend the discussion" instead of "extend on the discussion."