an extra third

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an extra third" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an additional portion or segment that is one-third more than a standard amount or size. Example: "We decided to order an extra third of the pizza to ensure everyone had enough to eat."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Trisomy 13, also called Patau's Syndrome, human chromosomal disorder that results from an extra (third) copy of chromosome 13.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Trisomy 18, also called Edwards' syndrome, human chromosomal disorder that results from an extra (third) copy of chromosome 18.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was the second big miscue for Leavy's crew in the season's first three weeks: in Week 1, San Francisco was given an extra third down against Green Bay.

The New York Times - Sports

On the other, assuming you have had an extra third bionic hand fitted to your body for the purposes of live-blogging like I have, those wins for Stakhovsky, Darcis and Rosol are results for the ages.

The Guardian - Sport

Labour had approved an extra, third runway at Heathrow, but the plan was abandoned by the coalition government when it took power in May 2010.

BBC

With a Single Message delivered electronically on Election Day," researcher James Fowler explained to TechCrunch, "Facebook caused an extra third of a million people to vote.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In the second quarter, the 49ers got an extra third-down play because of an officiating error, and they scored a touchdown on it.

The New York Times - Sports

To be precise, it will last an extra second.

The Guardian

That is almost like starting each drive with an extra first down.

The New York Times

— he would say yes by blinking his eyes and then holding them closed an extra second.

The New York Times

When pitchers wound up, it gave Robinson an extra second or millisecond to hustle for home.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an extra third", ensure it's clear what the original amount is to avoid ambiguity. For example, "an extra third of the initial investment" clarifies the base value.

Common error

Avoid using "an extra third" without specifying what the original amount is. This can lead to confusion if the reader doesn't know what the third is being added to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an extra third" functions primarily as a quantitative descriptor, specifying an additional amount equivalent to one-third of a given quantity. It's used to indicate supplementation or augmentation. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an extra third" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for indicating an additional quantity that is equivalent to one-third of a specified amount. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While it is not exceedingly common, it appears across various contexts, including news articles, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. To ensure clarity, it's important to specify the base value to which the "extra third" is being added. Alternative phrases like "an additional third" or "one third more" can be used to convey the same meaning. Avoiding ambiguity and providing context are key to using this phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an additional third

Replaces "extra" with "additional" to convey the same meaning of something added.

a supplementary third

Uses "supplementary" to emphasize the additive nature of the third portion.

one third more

Expresses the same quantity using a slightly different structural phrasing.

a third in addition

Highlights the added aspect of the third portion by explicitly stating "in addition".

a third on top of the original

Specifies that the third is added to an initial amount, clarifying the additive nature.

an augmented third

Utilizes "augmented" to suggest an increase or enlargement by a third.

an increased third

Replaces "extra" with "increased" to emphasize the augmented size or amount.

a further third

Uses "further" to indicate an additional portion or increment that is a third.

a bonus third

Implies that the third is not necessarily expected but added as a benefit.

a surplus third

Suggests that the third is an extra or excess amount beyond what is needed.

FAQs

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

You can use "an extra third" to describe an additional amount that is one third of the original amount. For instance, "We ordered "an extra third" of the pizza to share".

What's a simpler way to say "an extra third"?

A simpler alternative would be "one third more". For example, "We need "one third more" funding to complete the project" is the same as saying "We need an extra third of the funding".

Is it correct to say "a extra third" instead of "an extra third"?

No, it is not correct. The correct article to use before "extra" is "an" because "extra" begins with a vowel sound. Therefore, the correct phrase is "an extra third".

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "an extra third"?

It's appropriate to use the phrase "an extra third" when you need to specify an additional amount that constitutes one-third of something else. This can be in contexts like measuring ingredients, calculating quantities, or determining proportions.