an extension to

USAGE SUMMARY

'an extension to' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an addition or expansion to something. For example, "The company's recent merger has provided an extension to its global reach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

FourMatch works as an extension to Photoshop.

The New York Times

But remember, an extension to file is not an extension to pay.

The New York Times

But an extension to file doesn't include an extension to pay.

The New York Times

Ms. Martin asked for an extension to May 15.

The New York Times

The agreement allows for an extension to five years.

The Guardian

How would an extension to article 50 work?

The Guardian

Brexit: how would an extension to article 50 work?

The Guardian

Republicans may demand an extension to the Bush tax cuts.

The Economist

The segmentation network is an extension to the classification net.

Stanford University

Also included is an extension to the stochastic case.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Can I get an extension to the well plugging requirement?

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an extension to" when you want to emphasize that something is being added to an existing thing, concept, or system, rather than replacing it entirely.

Common error

Avoid using "an extension to" when you mean a replacement or a completely new entity. It's crucial to maintain the sense of addition and continuity implied by the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an extension to" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or noun phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to describe something that is added to or expands upon something else. Examples show it commonly introduces an addition or expansion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an extension to" is a very common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to denote an addition or expansion. As verified by Ludwig AI, it frequently appears in various contexts, including news, science, and academia, indicating its broad applicability. When using the phrase, ensure that you are accurately conveying the sense of something being added to, rather than replaced. Alternatives such as "an addition to" or "an expansion of" may be suitable depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an addition to

Focuses on the act of adding something more.

an expansion of

Emphasizes the increase in size or scope.

a supplement to

Highlights the function of complementing or enhancing something.

a continuation of

Stresses the uninterrupted progress or duration.

an adjunct to

Suggests something added but not essential.

an addendum to

Refers to something added at the end of a document or text.

a complement to

Indicates something that completes or enhances something else.

an outgrowth of

Suggests something that has developed from something else.

a derivative of

Emphasizes the origin from which something is obtained.

an appendage to

Highlights something attached or added in a subordinate position.

FAQs

How can I use "an extension to" in a sentence?

You can use "an extension to" to describe something that adds to or expands upon something else. For example, "The new software is "an extension to" the existing system, providing additional features".

What are some alternatives to "an extension to"?

Alternatives include phrases like "an addition to", "an expansion of", or "a supplement to", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "an extension of" instead of "an extension to"?

While "an extension of" and "an extension to" can sometimes be used interchangeably, "an extension to" is generally used to indicate a direct addition or continuation, whereas "an extension of" might refer more broadly to something derived from or related to another thing. Both are grammatically correct but carry slightly different nuances.

What is the difference between "an extension to" and "an improvement to"?

"An extension to" implies adding something new to an existing thing, while "an improvement to" implies making something existing better. For instance, "an extension to" a building adds more space, while "an improvement to" a building makes it more functional or aesthetically pleasing.