an extra penny

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an extra penny" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an additional amount of money, often in a context where even a small amount is significant. Example: "If you can spare an extra penny, it would help support our cause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

All that way for an extra penny?

The New York Times

Not so much as an extra penny; it's scandalous.

Independent

We cannot adapt even to an extra penny of taxation.

The Guardian - Opinion

But at Mr. Rahal's urging, Mr. Turner added an extra penny a pound.

The New York Times

It returned on July 2nd without an extra penny to its name.

The Economist

"The bottom line is they do not want to spend an extra penny".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

That would double the existing ratio and turn Britain overnight into a continental-style nation of savers without a single household putting a single extra penny into their savings.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We didn't get a single extra penny and it's been a big problem.

The New York Times

"The government has failed to spend a single extra penny on natural flood management".

The Guardian

Remarkably the Conservative party have said they are not going to ask the richest in society to make a single extra penny of contribution to balancing the books through the tax system.

The Guardian

Mr Clegg opened the debate by turning on his Coalition partner, Mr Cameron, asking him pointedly why the Conservatives "are not going to ask the richest in society to make a single extra penny of contribution to balancing the books through the tax system?" Mr Cameron replied: "Nick is wrong about our plans".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an extra penny" to highlight the significance of even a small amount of money in a particular context, such as taxation, wages, or fundraising.

Common error

Don't use "an extra penny" when a more substantial amount is clearly implied or when the small amount is truly irrelevant to the discussion. The phrase works best when the small amount has a disproportionate impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "an extra penny" is that of a noun phrase functioning as an object or part of a prepositional phrase. It typically modifies a verb related to spending, saving, or taxation. Ludwig provides several examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an extra penny" is a grammatically correct and very common English expression used to emphasize the importance or impact of a small amount of money. According to Ludwig, its primary function is as a noun phrase, and it typically appears in neutral contexts, often in news and media. It serves to highlight the significance of even a minimal sum, whether in discussions of taxation, wages, or consumer spending. While seemingly insignificant, Ludwig's examples show that this phrase effectively conveys themes of frugality, economic impact, and the potential for even small amounts to make a difference. Alternatives include phrases like "a little extra change" or "a further cent", offering similar meanings with slight variations in tone and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a further cent

Similar to 'an additional cent' but uses 'further' instead of 'additional'.

a little extra change

Focuses on a small, unspecified amount of additional money.

a surplus penny

Emphasizes the excess or overage of a penny.

a supplementary cent

Uses more formal vocabulary to indicate an additional cent.

a spare cent

Suggests the penny is available or not needed.

an additional coin

Broader, referring to any extra coin, not just a penny.

a bonus penny

Implies the extra penny is a reward or benefit.

a marginal penny

Highlights the small and potentially insignificant nature of the extra amount.

a trifling sum more

Emphasizes the insignificance of the extra amount.

a negligible amount extra

Highlights that the extra amount is very small and likely unimportant.

FAQs

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

You can use "an extra penny" to emphasize the impact of a small increase, as in, "Why didn't the government put "an extra penny" on income tax?" or to show frugality, as in, "They do not want to spend "an extra penny"".

What phrases are similar to "an extra penny"?

Similar phrases include "a little extra change", "a supplementary cent", or "a further cent", depending on the desired level of formality and context.

Is it better to say "an extra penny" or "one extra penny"?

Both "an extra penny" and "one extra penny" are grammatically correct. "An extra penny" is more common and sounds more natural in most contexts. "One extra penny" may be used for emphasis or in more formal writing.

What's the connotation of using the phrase "an extra penny"?

Using "an extra penny" often implies that even a small amount of money can make a difference or that someone is being particularly frugal or miserly. It can also highlight the cumulative effect of small charges or taxes.