an extra hour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an extra hour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an additional hour of time that is not originally allocated or expected. Example: "I was able to finish my project because I had an extra hour to work on it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Leave an extra hour.

The Guardian - Sport

Got an extra hour?

The New York Times

Have an extra hour or 100?

The New York Times

It took an extra hour and a half".

The New York Times

And Mr. Males would sleep an extra hour.

The New York Times

On Sundays they sleep for an extra hour.

The New York Times

This meal requires an extra hour of working out, but Jones has no complaints.

The New York Times - Sports

Forced into my company for an extra hour, he might be brought to his senses.

The New Yorker

The Rays' Johnny Damon said: "We'll take it and get an extra hour of sleep.

The New York Times - Sports

Tax credits don't; you get them whether or not you work an extra hour.

The Economist

You can manually push a button for an extra hour if need be.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prioritize sleep. If forced to choose between squeezing in a workout or getting "an extra hour" of sleep, opt for sleep. Your body will thank you!

Common error

Avoid over-scheduling. It's tempting to pack your day, but not allocating "an extra hour" for unexpected delays can lead to stress and inefficiency. Always factor in buffer time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an extra hour" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as an adjunct, specifying an additional or unexpected increment of time. Ludwig shows that it is used across varied contexts, affirming its common and versatile nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

6%

Social Media

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an extra hour" is a common and versatile noun phrase used to describe an additional 60-minute period. As affirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media sources, indicating its everyday relevance. While its register is generally neutral, its communicative purpose often involves quantifying and emphasizing the availability of additional time. When you are using it, always consider adding buffer time to your scheduling and never underestimate the value of planning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

additional hour

Replaces "extra" with a direct synonym, maintaining the exact meaning.

one more hour

Uses a simpler phrasing to indicate an additional hour.

added hour

Focuses on the action of adding the hour.

an hour more

A more concise way to say "an extra hour".

extended hour

Implies the hour is prolonged beyond the usual duration.

spare hour

Suggests the hour is available and not needed for other activities.

free hour

Similar to spare hour, emphasizing the lack of obligations.

bonus hour

Highlights the hour as an unexpected advantage.

extra sixty minutes

Breaks down "an extra hour" into its constituent parts, for precision.

supplemental hour

More formal term indicating an additional hour provided.

FAQs

How can I use "an extra hour" effectively?

Consider using alternatives that better express the intended activity or benefit, such as "additional time" or "bonus time", depending on the context.

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

"An extra hour" refers to a specific 60-minute period, while "additional time" is more general and doesn't specify a duration.

When is it appropriate to use "an extra hour" in writing?

It's appropriate in most contexts where you want to emphasize having more time than initially planned or expected. For instance, “The project took "an extra hour" to complete”.

What are some other ways to say I need more time?

You can use phrases like "require more time", need an "additional hour", or "require more time" depending on context.