an extra thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an extra thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an additional item or aspect that is not essential but adds value or interest. Example: "I decided to bring an extra thing to the picnic, just in case someone wanted a snack."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

This is just an extra thing".

The New York Times

When an extra thing is needed, you ask the Moreys".

The New York Times

"It's just an extra thing I can do.

The New York Times - Sports

"I had a lot on my mind, and brushing his teeth was an extra thing I didn't think about at night," she said.

The New York Times - Health

Another leading violinist, György Pauk, said that such issues as dress were a bit of a gimmick: "I believe if somebody's good musically, it doesn't need an extra thing".

The Guardian - Music

"If we don't share our stories then people can go on and be oblivious to the fact that when you are a woman executive, technologist or entrepreneur you have an extra thing [unwanted attention from men in positions of power] to overcome," she said.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Add any extra thing to decorate with.

WikiHow

"Giving the flight crew a little treat is just an extra special thing, and believe me, they will remember who you are and return the favor any way they can".

Huffington Post

As a business owner, you just turned your $147 sale on a pair of shoes to $164 (including the discounted socks) without doing a single extra thing.

Huffington Post

Just based on what my peers were doing at the time, I thought that was a cool extra thing to have in the live arsenal.

Vice

Then said balloon landed, limp, on an area large enough to hold not only its sorry rubber remnants, but a few extra things like an airline meal and an iPad too.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an extra thing" to denote something that isn't strictly necessary but provides added value or convenience.

Common error

While "an extra thing" is acceptable in many situations, avoid relying on it in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or sophisticated vocabulary is preferred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an extra thing" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object in a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and refers to something additional or supplementary.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an extra thing" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe something additional or supplementary that is not strictly necessary but adds value or convenience. According to Ludwig, while acceptable, it might be too informal for highly formal or academic writing. It frequently appears in News & Media sources and has several alternatives, such as "an additional item" or "a bonus feature". Use it when you want to denote something that enhances a situation without being essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an additional item

Replaces "thing" with "item", emphasizing a discrete object.

a supplementary element

Substitutes "extra" with "supplementary" and "thing" with "element", suggesting something that enhances or completes.

a bonus feature

Replaces the entire phrase with a term indicating an added benefit or advantage.

an added component

Uses "added" instead of "extra" and "component" in place of "thing", highlighting a part that contributes to a whole.

a complementary aspect

Emphasizes how the extra item enhances something else.

an incidental detail

Focuses on the non-essential nature of the additional element.

an auxiliary part

Highlights the supporting role of the extra item.

a surplus object

Implies that the thing is more than what is needed.

a secondary consideration

Indicates the extra thing is of lesser importance.

an extraneous addition

Suggests the extra thing is not essential and possibly unnecessary.

FAQs

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

You can use "an extra thing" to refer to something additional or supplementary, such as "Bringing a blanket is "an extra thing" that could make the picnic more comfortable."

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

Consider using alternatives like "an additional item", "a supplementary element", or "a bonus feature" depending on the specific context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "an extra thing"?

While grammatically correct, using "an extra thing" may be too informal for certain professional or academic contexts. In those cases, opt for a more precise and formal alternative.

What does "an extra thing" typically refer to?

"An extra thing" generally refers to something that is not essential but adds value, convenience, or interest. It's often used to describe a bonus, an added feature, or something that goes beyond the basic requirements.