an extra expense

USAGE SUMMARY

"an extra expense" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to additional costs that are incurred. For example: "He had to make an extra expense to cover the cost of repairs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It's an extra expense that Micah Highland, a 35-year-old photographer in La Grange, Ill., knows well.

The New York Times

For the typical driver who pumps 60 gallons a month of regular unleaded gasoline, a 50-cent increase in price means an extra expense of $30 a month.

The New York Times

Mr. Neill's task is complex because landlords hesitate in a weak economy to ask tenants to accept anything that might be an extra expense.

The New York Times

So I don't get it, because it is an extra expense that I can't afford if I'm going to feed my children or pay my light bill.

The New York Times

They're finding driving lessons are an extra expense," he says.

BBC

For the purpose of our analysis, an extra expense of €2,000 was assumed for additional optimization for SO (echo- or SonR-based optimization) vs. NSO.

Health Economics Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

In interviews, developers like Mr. Brodsky downplayed any extra expense required to realize the architects' visions.

The New York Times

Some charter customers say the benefits far outweigh any extra expense.

The New York Times

Brad Stone, who wrote the story, noted that this "was an awkward extra expense, for now".

TechCrunch

The large numbers of fast-track prosecutions represent a substantial extra expense, but the program's supporters say it generally targets foreigners with serious criminal records who are likely to commit more crimes.

The New York Times

Web access was a trifling extra expense.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an extra expense" to highlight costs associated with choices or decisions. For example, "Upgrading to a faster internet plan is an extra expense, but worth it for the improved speed."

Common error

Avoid categorizing regular, predictable costs as "an extra expense". Save this phrase for costs that are unexpected or outside the normal budget. For instance, rent or utilities are not usually described as "an extra expense"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an extra expense" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object in a sentence. It identifies an additional cost or expenditure beyond what is normally expected or budgeted. Ludwig AI validates this with multiple examples showing its common usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an extra expense" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an additional, often unplanned, cost. Ludwig's analysis confirms its prevalence across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. It serves the purpose of highlighting unexpected or supplementary financial burdens. When using this phrase, remember that it should refer to costs outside the normal budget, and not confuse it with routine expenses. To diversify your vocabulary, consider alternatives such as "additional expenditure" or "supplementary cost".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

additional expenditure

Emphasizes the act of spending, similar to an expense but focusing on the action.

supplementary cost

Highlights the fact that the cost is added on top of something else.

added financial burden

Focuses on the negative impact of the additional cost on one's finances.

increased overhead

Specifically refers to the additional operational costs.

incremental charge

Suggests a small, gradual increase in cost.

unforeseen outlay

Highlights that the cost was not anticipated.

unexpected debit

Focuses on the accounting aspect of the additional expense.

ancillary payment

Refers to a payment that is secondary or supplementary.

extraordinary spending

Implies the spending is significant and less frequent.

secondary investment

Highlights that the investment is not the main goal but required regardless.

FAQs

How can I use "an extra expense" in a sentence?

You can use "an extra expense" to describe an unanticipated or additional cost. For example, "The car repair was "an extra expense" that strained our budget."

What are some alternatives to saying "an extra expense"?

Alternatives include "additional cost", "supplementary charge", or "unexpected outlay depending on the context".

Is it correct to say "a extra expense" instead of "an extra expense"?

No, the correct article to use before "extra" is "an" because "extra" begins with a vowel sound. Therefore, the correct phrase is "an extra expense".

How does "an extra expense" differ from a planned expense?

"An extra expense" refers to an unplanned or unexpected cost, while a planned expense is something that is budgeted for and anticipated. They differ in their predictability and how they are managed in financial planning.