an extra finger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an extra finger" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a physical condition or anomaly where an individual has more than the usual number of fingers on a hand. Example: "The child was born with an extra finger on her left hand, which the doctors said could be easily removed if desired."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

So I looked at my hands and I had an extra finger on one of them.

The Guardian

Defects may include cleft palate, webbed fingers, hypospadias (incomplete closure of the male urethra), and development of an extra finger.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Seemingly out of empathy, Mr. Breaker admitted he was born with an extra finger, removed at birth.

The New York Times

Like Anne Boleyn, I was born with an extra finger, which the doctor removed when I was a baby.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If you have an extra finger on one hand, and ginger hair to boot, this requires great vigilance as well as skill.

The Guardian - Books

"Every single thing you put in your body when you're pregnant, you wonder, 'Oh, my God, am I growing my baby an extra finger?' " Ms. Allen said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Like a transparent extra finger, a little plastic tube has grown into the vein on my right hand, and all the medicine will go in through that.

The Guardian - Books

A full-bodied girl to my right had a tender, yellow budlike extra finger outside the thumb of each hand … and those darling little extra digits fluttered over her face like the curly tails of little piglets.

The New Yorker

*** *** ** A full-bodied girl to my right had a tender, yellow, budlike extra finger outside the thumb of each hand... and those darling little extra digits fluttered over her face like the curly tails of little piglets.

The New Yorker

It's basically the same as A, just with one extra finger.

WikiHow

There were her sallow complexion, her ample moles (sometimes morphing into a third nipple) and supposed extra finger, which were all taken as signs of unnaturalness, unwomanliness and dubious Frenchness, if not outright allegiance with the Devil.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing medical conditions, consider using more formal terms like "supernumerary digit" or "polydactyly" for increased precision and professionalism.

Common error

While "an extra finger" is understandable in general conversation, using it in scientific or medical reports might be perceived as too casual. Opt for more precise, technical language in these settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an extra finger" functions as a noun phrase, where "extra" modifies the noun "finger". According to Ludwig, it's usable in written English and describes a physical anomaly. It acts as the subject or object within a sentence, depending on the context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

29%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an extra finger" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe the presence of an additional digit on a hand. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While acceptable in general contexts, more formal terms like "supernumerary digit" or ""polydactyly"" are preferred in medical or scientific settings. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and science-related content. Remember to consider your audience and the level of formality required when choosing the most appropriate term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supernumerary digit

Uses a more technical, formal term for an extra finger.

additional digit

Simply uses "additional" instead of "extra", a direct synonym.

sixth finger

Specifically quantifies the extra finger as the sixth.

polydactyly

Refers to the condition of having extra fingers or toes.

duplicate finger

Highlights the duplication aspect of the extra finger.

anomalous digit

Focuses on the unusual or irregular nature of the extra finger.

a supplementary finger

Emphasizes the added or supplemental nature.

extra appendage on hand

Broadens the description to include any extra appendage on the hand.

an additional finger-like projection

Describes it as a projection which may not be a fully formed finger.

an extra finger or toe

Includes the possibility of an extra toe alongside the finger.

FAQs

What does "an extra finger" mean?

The phrase "an extra finger" refers to the presence of more than the usual number of fingers on a hand, a condition often called "polydactyly".

Is it correct to say "an extra finger" or should I use another term?

"An extra finger" is a perfectly acceptable and understandable way to describe the condition. However, in medical contexts, using "supernumerary digit" or ""polydactyly"" is more precise.

What causes someone to have "an extra finger"?

Having "an extra finger" is typically due to a genetic condition. It can occur as an isolated anomaly or as part of a genetic syndrome.

How is "an extra finger" usually treated?

Treatment for "an extra finger" often involves surgical removal, especially if it impairs hand function. The decision depends on factors like location, functionality, and associated medical conditions.