a bonus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bonus" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an additional benefit or reward, often in the context of work or promotions. Example: "As a reward for meeting our sales targets, each employee will receive a bonus at the end of the year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

So that's a bonus.

The Guardian - Travel

It's like a bonus.

The New York Times - Sports

It's just a bonus".

The New York Times - Sports

That's a bonus.

The New York Times

Arms are a bonus.

Independent

And there is a bonus.

The Economist

Everything else is a bonus".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Leading would be a bonus.

The New York Times - Sports

But those were a bonus".

The New York Times

"Grammar schools were a bonus.

The Economist

That would be a bonus.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bonus" to emphasize an unexpected or additional benefit beyond what is normally expected or required. It's particularly effective when highlighting positive surprises or added value.

Common error

Avoid presenting something as "a bonus" when it's actually a core component or expected part of the offering. Overusing the term can dilute its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bonus" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a complement or appositive to describe an additional benefit or advantage. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sports

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a bonus" is a versatile and frequently used noun phrase that denotes an additional benefit or advantage. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news, sports, and business. It effectively serves to highlight positive aspects and can be adapted to fit different levels of formality. When using "a bonus", be sure it genuinely represents something extra and isn't misused as a standard component. Alternatives like "an extra perk" or "an added advantage" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an extra perk

Focuses on the advantageous aspect, similar to a benefit beyond the expected.

an added advantage

Highlights the beneficial aspect, suggesting an element that gives an edge.

an additional benefit

Directly emphasizes the extra benefit received.

a supplementary reward

Emphasizes the rewarding aspect as something extra.

an unexpected gain

Focuses on the element of surprise and unexpected profit.

a welcome addition

Highlights the positive reception and extra value.

a fortunate extra

Emphasizes luck and the extra component.

a fringe benefit

Implies an additional, non-essential advantage.

a supplementary perk

Highlights the extra advantage or benefit.

a windfall

Suggests a sudden and unexpected gain, often financial.

FAQs

How can I use "a bonus" in a sentence?

You can use "a bonus" to describe an additional benefit or advantage. For example, "The flexible working hours are "a bonus" on top of the competitive salary".

What are some alternatives to saying "a bonus"?

Alternatives include "an extra perk", "an added advantage", or "an additional benefit", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "bonus" without the article "a"?

While "bonus" can be used as a noun on its own, using "a bonus" is appropriate when you are referring to a single, countable instance of a benefit. For example, "receiving a bonus" is grammatically sound.

What's the difference between "a bonus" and "a reward"?

While both refer to positive outcomes, "a bonus" typically implies something extra or unexpected, whereas "a reward" is often given in recognition of specific achievements or actions. Both alternatives are valuable. For example, "achieving the sales target came with "a reward"".