a little extra

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little extra" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is additional or beyond what is usual or expected, often in a positive or enhancing way. Example: "I decided to add a little extra cheese to my pizza for more flavor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Lifestyle

Sports

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"And having a little extra space".

The New York Times - Travel

"A little extra money to live on".

The New York Times

It adds a little extra danger.

The New York Times

"It's a little extra something.

The New York Times - Sports

"They do a little extra".

The New York Times - Sports

There's a little extra pressure.

The New York Times - Sports

They had a little extra something.

University of California, Berkeley

Drizzle with a little extra olive oil.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Got a little extra time and cash?

The Guardian - Travel

Sprinkle over a little extra dill.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I had a little extra body movement.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a little extra" to add emphasis to something that enhances a situation, such as "a little extra effort" for a task or "a little extra space" when describing comfort.

Common error

While versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Opt for more precise terms like "incremental" or "supplementary" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little extra" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating a small additional quantity or degree. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, affirming its grammatical correctness as indicated by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

14%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Lifestyle

9%

Sports

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a little extra" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a small addition or increment. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usefulness in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academic, and Wiki sources. While versatile, it should be used judiciously in formal writing, opting for more precise terms when appropriate. Alternatives such as "a bit more" or "slightly additional" can provide nuanced variations to suit specific needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit more

Emphasizes a slightly larger quantity or degree.

a touch extra

Suggests a delicate or subtle addition.

slightly additional

Highlights the incremental nature of the addition.

a shade more

Indicates a very slight increase, often subtle.

somewhat supplementary

Indicates something that complements or enhances what already exists.

some bonus

Implies an unexpected or welcome addition.

marginally increased

Focuses on the small increase in amount or intensity.

moderately additional

Suggests an increase that is neither excessive nor minimal.

relatively extra

Highlights the additional amount compared to the standard measure.

a degree extra

Focuses on the extent to which an item increases

FAQs

How can I use "a little extra" in a sentence?

You can use "a little extra" to describe something additional or beyond what is usual or expected. For example, "I added a little extra sugar to the recipe."

What are some alternatives to "a little extra"?

You can use alternatives like "a bit more", "slightly additional", or "somewhat supplementary" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a little extra" or "some extra"?

Both "a little extra" and "some extra" are grammatically correct. "A little extra" implies a smaller quantity than "some extra", so choose the option that best fits the amount you are describing.

What's the difference between "a little extra" and "a lot extra"?

"A little extra" implies a small additional amount, while "a lot extra" implies a significant additional amount. The choice depends on the degree of addition you wish to express.