appendage

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "appendage" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a part of the body that is attached to the main part, such as an arm, leg, or tail. For example, "The monkey's long tail was an impressive appendage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the 1970s the emphasis was on professionalising volunteer effort as a reliable appendage to social services.

The Guardian

He has "great faith" that the English people can craft a modern new identity without the "appendage" of Britain.

The Economist

The section on Thomas, towards the end of the book, feels slightly like an appendage.

The Economist

In more general terms, the Manipuri freedom struggle is not unlike a decades-old conflict in the westernmost appendage of colonial India, the Pakistani state of Balochistan.

The Economist

This is the home of Ocado, the country's and probably the world's newest online grocery-retailer, whose poster ads featuring yelling children are visible all over the capital.Ocado has all the trappings of a dotcom, bar the formerly voguish appendage to its name.

The Economist

First, it has secured influential leadership posts in the lower house's rules committee; second, once called by Mr Muñoz himself a mere "appendage of the PRI", it has shown its independence of the ruling party.So huge reversals of policy look unlikely.

The Economist

Joe Lieberman, one of the Senate bill's sponsors, called the amendment to repeal those rules "an unnatural appendage" to the voting-rights measure.

The Economist

The rotors turn in opposite directions to cancel out torque, the twisting action which requires conventional helicopters to use a tail rotor a hazardous appendage.

The Economist

Other worthies describe it as "a dinosaur that should be retired to a museum", "an appendage to an anachronism", and "a train wreck waiting to happen".There is nothing new about such complaints.

The Economist

What is missing from today's prosthetics is sensory feedback in other words, the sense of touch.Such feedback would not only help to improve dexterity and control, says Ken Horch, a bioengineer at the University of Utah, but might also make prosthetics feel much more like part of the body, rather than an appendage or extension to it, by closing the feedback loop between the device and the brain.

The Economist

The supreme court, which Mr Chávez has turned into an appendage of the executive, ruled that as a re-elected president he could be sworn in whenever his doctors deemed him fit enough.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing body parts or supplementary additions, use "appendage" to maintain a formal and scientific tone. For more casual contexts, consider "attachment" or "extension".

Common error

Avoid using "appendage" when referring to the vermiform appendix, a vestigial organ in the human body. The correct term for that specific anatomical structure is "appendix". "Appendage" is a more general term.

Linguistic Context

The word "appendage" functions primarily as a noun, referring to an external body part or an addition to something larger. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and frequently used. Examples include limbs, tails, or extensions added to documents.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

30%

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "appendage" functions as a noun denoting an external part or addition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is frequently encountered in news, encyclopedias and scientific contexts, reflecting a formal register. When writing, use "appendage" to maintain a formal and scientific tone, particularly when describing body parts or supplementary additions, avoiding confusion with "appendix". For casual contexts, alternatives such as "attachment" or "extension" may be more appropriate. Keep in mind that this term is generally correct and perfectly usable in written english.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extension

Focuses on the concept of lengthening or continuing something.

attachment

Emphasizes the act of being connected or fastened to something else.

adjunct

Implies a supplementary or subordinate part.

outgrowth

Highlights the idea of something growing or developing from something else.

process

Refers to a natural prolongation or projection from a part of any organism.

addendum

Specifies something added, usually to a document.

prolongation

Indicates something that is lengthened or extended in time or space.

annex

Suggests adding territory or a building to an existing one.

supplement

Implies something that completes or enhances something else.

accessory

Denotes an item that is not essential but adds to the convenience or attractiveness of something else.

FAQs

How is "appendage" used in scientific writing?

In scientific contexts, "appendage" commonly refers to external body parts or extensions from organisms. Examples include limbs, tails, or specialized structures like the anglerfish's lure. Using "appendage" in these contexts maintains a formal and precise tone.

What's a more casual way to say "appendage"?

Depending on the context, you could use "attachment" or "extension". However, "appendage" carries a more formal and sometimes scientific connotation.

Is it correct to use "appendage" to describe something added to a document?

While technically correct, "appendage" is not the most common term for additions to documents. "Addendum", "appendix", or "attachment" are more frequently used and understood in that context.

What's the difference between "appendage" and "appendix"?

"Appendage" is a general term for a body part or something attached to a larger structure. "Appendix" typically refers to the vermiform appendix in the human body or a supplementary section at the end of a book or document.