additive

USAGE SUMMARY

"additive" is an entirely correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used as an adjective to describe something that is added to something else in order to improve on it. For example, "The additive in the gasoline increases fuel efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Another added about the Bear Stearns mortgage business: "Needless to say, a very, very good strong business and one that in the long run will be very additive... it's a business that we are looking to pick up market share in".

The Guardian - Opinion

Some firms are already using the technology, which is also known as additive manufacturing because it involves building up material layer by layer.

The Economist

Lanxess, a German chemicals firm, is selling a nanoparticle rubber additive called nanoprene for tyre treads.

The Economist

The idea was to produce not a fuel additive, but a lubricant additive.

The Economist

ALTHOUGH they need to fire their brand consultants, the inventors of Clap an additive intended to improve the fuel-efficiency of car engines seem to be on to something.

The Economist

On October 25th, the Washington Post reported that the spores found in Mr Daschle's office had been treated with a chemical additive to allow them to stay suspended longer in the air.

The Economist

GE says the nozzles will be 25% lighter and five times more durable than their predecessors and since there are 20 or so in each engine, the weight savings are significant.Airbus is already making bits of its planes, such as mounting brackets, by additive techniques; and it dreams of one day "printing" entire fuselages.

The Economist

Or it could be a piece of jewellery, cast from a mould made by a 3D printer or produced directly using a growing number of printable materials.But additive manufacturing is only one of a number of breakthroughs leading to the factory of the future, and conventional production equipment is becoming smarter and more flexible, too.

The Economist

And it ushers in even more subsidies than the House version for ethanol, an ungreen, uneconomic petrol additive, typically made from corn, which is popular with mid-western politicians.To be fair, the Senate bill has a few worthwhile provisions.

The Economist

It works, though, on the same principles as a jet that is designed to propel an aircraft.Wu Xinhua of Monash's Centre for Additive Manufacturing (pictured, with a disassembled version of the engine) and her colleagues based their power unit on a model built by Safran Microturbo, a French firm with which they are collaborating.

The Economist

Moreover, the designs could easily be changed without Burton incurring high retooling costs.Predicting how quickly additive manufacturing will be taken up by industry is difficult, adds Dr Hopkinson.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "additive" to describe a substance, clearly state what property it is intended to alter or enhance. For example, "an additive to improve fuel efficiency" is clearer than just "an additive".

Common error

Avoid using "additive" without specifying its purpose or the substance it's added to. Vague references can confuse the reader about its function or impact.

Linguistic Context

The word "additive" functions primarily as an adjective describing something that contributes to or enhances another substance or process. It also functions as a noun to refer to the substance itself. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "additive" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term functioning as both an adjective and a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and usability. Its primary function is to describe something that enhances or contributes to another, appearing most commonly in contexts related to news and media, science, and formal business communication. While versatile, ensure clarity by specifying the additive's purpose and the substance it modifies. The word "additive" can describe the "additive manufacturing" technique or a chemical improving fuel, so context is critical.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

additional

Focuses on something being added or extra, similar to additive in providing something more.

supplemental

Emphasizes the idea of completing or enhancing something, like additive does by improving properties.

augmentative

Highlights the increasing or enlarging effect, similar to how an additive enhances qualities.

reinforcing

Implies strengthening or supporting, akin to an additive enhancing a particular aspect.

contributory

Focuses on the role of adding to a result, comparable to an additive contributing to a mixture's properties.

enhancing

Highlights the improvement or increase in quality brought about by the addition.

cumulative

Emphasizes the build-up effect, similar to additive in that it adds to an existing whole.

amalgamative

Focuses on the blending or combining aspect, as additive brings elements together.

positive addition

Specifically frames the act of adding as a beneficial contribution.

supportive element

Highlights how the additive aids or props up the original substance or situation.

FAQs

How is "additive" used in manufacturing?

In manufacturing, "additive" often refers to "additive manufacturing", also known as 3D printing, where objects are built layer by layer.

What's an example of a fuel "additive"?

Ethanol is a common fuel "additive" used to increase octane and reduce carbon monoxide emissions.

How does "additive manufacturing" differ from traditional manufacturing?

Additive manufacturing builds objects layer by layer, while traditional manufacturing often involves cutting away material from a larger block. That makes "additive manufacturing" more efficient for parts with complex geometries.

Is every food "additive" harmful?

No, not all food "additives" are harmful. Many are used to preserve food, enhance flavor, or improve nutritional value.