an extra

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an extra" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
You can use it to describe added or additional items, such as an extra scoop of ice cream or an extra set of keys. For example, "I'm going to need an extra blanket for this trip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He was an extra".

The New Yorker

At an extra ad.

Independent

needs an extra engine.

The New York Times

It's not an extra".

The New York Times - Food

I'm just an extra.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's an extra wrinkle".

The New York Times - Science

We'll need an extra chair".

The New Yorker

"This is an extra service.

Independent

He got an extra €5m.

The Economist

So there's an extra energy".

The New Yorker

"She is an extra ear".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an extra" to clearly indicate an additional or supplementary item or amount. Ensure the context makes it clear what the original quantity or item is.

Common error

Avoid using "extra" when "additional" is more appropriate for formal contexts. "Extra" can sometimes sound informal. For example, instead of saying "We need extra staff", consider "We need additional staff" in a business report.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an extra" functions as a determiner followed by an adjective, modifying a noun. It indicates an additional item or amount, adding to the base quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an extra" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to denote something additional or supplementary. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and commonality. It's versatile, fitting into many contexts from news articles to everyday conversations. While "extra" alone can sometimes be used as an adjective, using "an extra" before singular nouns maintains clarity. Be mindful of context; while generally neutral, "additional" may be preferable in highly formal writing. With a strong presence in news and media, and everyday wiki-based content, this phrase is an important tool in your writing arsenal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an additional

Focuses on the concept of adding something more.

an added

Directly signifies something that has been included or combined.

a supplementary

Highlights the idea of providing something extra for support.

a further

Implies an extension or continuation of something.

a spare

Emphasizes the availability of something more if needed.

an auxiliary

Indicates something that provides added help or function.

a bonus

Focuses on the idea of something given or received in addition to what is expected.

a surplus

Highlights having more than what is needed.

an over and above

Emphasizes surpassing what is required or expected.

a redundant

Indicates that something is not strictly necessary, but available.

FAQs

How to use "an extra" in a sentence?

You can use "an extra" to indicate an additional item or amount, such as "I need "an extra blanket"" or "Could I have "an extra piece" of cake?".

What can I say instead of "an extra"?

Alternatives include "an additional", "a supplementary", or "a spare", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "an extra" or "extra"?

"An extra" is used before a singular noun, while "extra" can be used as an adjective or noun. For example, "an extra day" is correct, but you could also say "I have some extra time".

What's the difference between "an extra" and "additional"?

"An extra" often implies something beyond what is strictly necessary or expected, while "additional" simply means added. In many cases, they are interchangeable, but "additional" may be more formal. You can use "an additional cost" or "an extra cost".