an extra means

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an extra means" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an additional method or resource to achieve a goal or complete a task. Example: "We have implemented an extra means of communication to ensure that all team members are informed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

As far as we could tell, these provided an extra means of casting spells when your hands are full with weapon and shield.

The Guardian - Tech

You'd have thought that would be the last place – with all the heat down there, and the humidity – but not so, they need bicycles as an extra means to get around because of congestion".

The Guardian

"The patents may also give Samsung an extra means of fighting back in intellectual property cases involving its Android devices, bearing in mind it is involved in disputes with Apple and others".

BBC

In the future, the most obvious pro of an implant is that it could be used as an extra means of identification – particularly in passports.

Vice

Being an extra means you get to be on set, meeting people and leaning how the film industry works, while still making some money acting.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Not only do these chelating polymers change the membrane surface charge and pore size, but also provide an extra mean to remove heavy metal ions through adsorption in addition to traditional steric effect and Donnan exclusion.

Water Research

Each unit lower in baseline SI was associated with an extra 3.6-min mean decrease in physical activity per day as measured by accelerometry over a year, while each one unit lower in baseline SI was associated with an extra mean 8.5-min8.5-minsedentaryentary behavior per day over a year, regardless of adiposity, age, pubertal stage, or ethnicity.

Diabetes Care

All the time you have an extra man means you have a better chance of exposing any opposition weaknesses - especially if, like Sunderland, you can counter-attack quickly.

BBC

(MortonsFork) I learned little things, like asking for an extra pillow means asking for a prostitute.

The Guardian

His nickname is Johnny Warehouse (because that's what his last name, with an extra z, means in Italian).

The New York Times - Food

The fact that females don't notice or don't care when a male frog adds an extra chuck means that there isn't much incentive to do it, keeping the calls relatively short.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an extra means", ensure the context clearly establishes the primary means for comparison. This helps the reader understand the added benefit or alternative provided by the extra means.

Common error

Avoid using "an extra means" in simple sentences where a more direct synonym like "another way" or "an additional method" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an extra means" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies an additional method, resource, or avenue for achieving a particular objective. Ludwig shows its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an extra means" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe an additional method or resource. While categorized as having an uncommon frequency, Ludwig's examples show that it appears across diverse sources like news outlets, scientific publications, and wikis. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, primarily used to introduce an additional option for achieving a goal, and tends to have a neutral register. Understanding its function and context, as emphasized by Ludwig, helps ensure its correct and effective use in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an additional method

Replaces 'means' with 'method', emphasizing a structured approach.

a supplementary resource

Focuses on the supportive nature of the extra means.

an alternative approach

Highlights that it's a different way of doing something.

an added avenue

Suggests a new path or opportunity.

a backup plan

Implies a contingency or safety net.

a secondary option

Presents it as a less preferred but still viable choice.

an auxiliary tool

Emphasizes its role as a supporting instrument.

an extra channel

Highlights its function as an additional communication route.

a surplus method

Highlights the excess aspect, implying more than is strictly needed.

a redundant mechanism

Suggests it may be unnecessary but still available.

FAQs

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

You can use "an extra means" to describe an additional method or resource used to achieve a goal. For example: "The company implemented an extra means of quality control to ensure customer satisfaction."

What are some alternatives to "an extra means"?

Alternatives include "an additional method", "a supplementary resource", or "an alternative approach", depending on the specific context.

Is "an extra means" formal or informal?

While generally considered neutral, "an extra means" can lean towards the more formal side. In informal contexts, simpler terms like "another way" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "an extra means" and "an additional means"?

The phrases "an extra means" and "an additional means" are largely interchangeable. The choice often depends on stylistic preference, although "additional" may sound slightly more formal or precise.