ancillary benefit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ancillary benefit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a secondary or additional benefit that is not the primary focus but still provides value. Example: "The health insurance plan offers several ancillary benefits, including dental and vision coverage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

"It's turned out to be a wonderful ancillary benefit".

The New York Times

An ancillary benefit may accrue from greater disclosure.

The New York Times

For Wren, the social aspect of licking is a nice ancillary benefit.

The New Yorker

That would have another ancillary benefit: an end to Mr Balls's dejected thigh-clenching.

The Economist

He said defunding the left might be "an ancillary benefit" of the foundation's campaign to educate workers about their rights.

The Guardian

Although redevelopment has always been seen as an ancillary benefit of remediating toxic-waste sites, human health and environmental protection were the original priorities.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

There are ancillary benefits, too.

The Economist

There were ancillary benefits too.

The New York Times - Magazine

But these are all ancillary benefits.

The New York Times

The trades have provided some ancillary benefits.

The New York Times - Sports

And there are some ancillary benefits of all this light.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ancillary benefit" to highlight positive but secondary outcomes, especially in reports or proposals. This can strengthen your argument by showcasing additional value.

Common error

Avoid presenting an "ancillary benefit" as the main objective. Misrepresenting a side effect as the primary goal can weaken your argument and mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ancillary benefit" functions as a noun phrase, where "ancillary" modifies "benefit". According to Ludwig AI, it describes a secondary or additional advantage. The examples show it used across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ancillary benefit" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes a secondary positive outcome or advantage. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across diverse fields such as news, science, and business. When employing this phrase, it's best to clearly state the primary goal to provide context and to avoid misrepresenting the secondary effect as the main objective. Alternative phrases include "additional advantage" or "secondary gain", depending on the desired nuance. Given its prevalence in formal writing, understanding its correct usage can enhance clarity and strengthen your arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Additional advantage

Focuses more on the positive aspect as an addition, rather than a secondary effect.

Secondary gain

Highlights the secondary nature of the benefit, often implying it's less important.

Indirect advantage

Emphasizes the lack of directness in how the benefit is obtained.

Side perk

Informal term suggesting a bonus that comes unexpectedly.

Bonus effect

Highlights the additional and unexpected nature of the benefit.

Collateral benefit

Similar to "ancillary benefit", but can sometimes imply an unintended consequence.

Supplementary advantage

Suggests the benefit adds to or enhances something else.

Incidental gain

Focuses on the accidental or unplanned nature of the benefit.

Supporting advantage

Indicates the benefit assists or reinforces a primary goal.

Extra plus

A more colloquial way of expressing an additional positive outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "ancillary benefit" in a sentence?

You can use "ancillary benefit" to describe a secondary, less important advantage that arises from a particular action or policy. For example, "The new recycling program has the "ancillary benefit" of reducing landfill waste".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "ancillary benefit"?

Some alternatives include "additional advantage", "secondary gain", or "side perk", depending on the formality and context.

Is it appropriate to use "ancillary benefit" in formal writing?

Yes, "ancillary benefit" is suitable for formal writing, especially in business, scientific, or academic contexts where you need to describe a secondary positive outcome. However, consider more informal alternatives like "side perk" for casual conversation.

What's the difference between "ancillary benefit" and "direct benefit"?

"Ancillary benefit" refers to a secondary or indirect advantage, while "direct benefit" indicates a primary and immediate advantage. For example, the "direct benefit" of exercise is improved physical health; an "ancillary benefit" might be improved mood.