extend

USAGE SUMMARY

"extend" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when you want to talk about making something longer or offering something to someone for a longer period of time. For example, "We extended the deadline for submitting resumes until Friday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The strain is likely to grow more acute as the government depends on helicopter gunships to extend its reach to parts of the country rendered impassable to logistics convoys and even armored vehicles by the rebels' improvised bombs.

The New York Times

The displaced groups were expected to be living in the tents for up to eight weeks and authorities won't know until Cyclone Nathan has passed whether damage caused is likely to extend that.

The Guardian

The seats extend beyond inner-city areas to include places such as Southampton, Oxford, Sherwood, Ipswich and Northampton.

The Guardian

There is disagreement over the distance that the positive effects of clustering actually extend to, however, meaning that the generation of synergetic 'cluster effects' (as they are commonly understood) between firms in Manchester and firms in Newcastle for example could prove difficult.

The Guardian

This may be less than is needed just to maintain existing services, let alone extend them.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, this warm welcome does not extend to his party and that is the real message that Livingstone must take away with him if he wants to be re-elected as London mayor in 2012.

The Guardian - Opinion

This might be viewed simply as a reprisal for Saudi participation in the US-led bombing campaign against Isis, but Isis has also been seeking to extend the current conflict in Syria and Iraq into Saudi territory.

The Guardian - Opinion

Pirlo, who did not even make it off the bench on Sunday, has not made the brightest of starts but the speculation that he might not extend his contract past the end of this year is likely overblown.

The Guardian - Sport

Ed Miliband had put his finger on one of the biggest issues of our time: the need for prosperity to extend beyond the top 1%.

The Guardian - Opinion

It could also extend links with Zimbabwe in the not-too-distant future.

The Guardian

Extend it to others – make it enough for others – and be moderate on taking, but be generous on giving.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, make sure that you are always clear what it is you are making longer, or who you are offering something to. For example: "Please extend the deadline", "They extended him an olive branch".

Common error

While "extend" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Opt for more precise synonyms like "prolong", "expand", or "augment" to enhance clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

Extend functions primarily as a verb. According to Ludwig, it indicates the act of making something longer, broader, or offering something, which aligns with its definition. Ludwig provides real-world examples, that demonstrate the versatility of this verb in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extend" is a versatile and very common verb that can be used in numerous contexts to describe the act of making something longer, broader, or offering something. According to Ludwig, this term is grammatically correct and can be used with confidence in writing and speech. The sources used for this analysis are primarily from news and media outlets, indicating its relevance in current events and discussions. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, careful attention to the specific context is advised. When considering alternatives to "extend", options such as "prolong", "expand", and "offer" can be suitable depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prolong

Focuses specifically on lengthening the duration of something.

increase

Emphasizes the act of making something larger in size, amount, or degree.

expand

Suggests a widening or unfolding, often in a physical or metaphorical sense.

broaden

Implies making something wider in scope or understanding.

continue

Highlights the uninterrupted progression of something over time.

offer

Focuses on presenting something for acceptance or rejection, often a benefit or opportunity.

grant

Suggests bestowing or conferring something, often a right or privilege.

stretch out

Indicates lengthening something, often to its full extent.

reach out

Implies making contact or offering assistance to someone.

enlarge

Focuses on making something bigger or more comprehensive.

FAQs

How can I use "extend" in a sentence?

You can use "extend" to describe making something longer, like, "We need to "extend" the deadline." It can also mean offering something, as in, "The company decided to "extend" a job offer."

What's a formal alternative to "extend"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "prolong" when referring to time, or "augment" when referring to increasing something.

When is it appropriate to use "extend"?

"Extend" is suitable in various contexts, from formal to informal. Use it when you want to convey the idea of lengthening, broadening, or offering something, but be mindful of overusing it in overly formal situations.

What's the difference between "extend" and "expand"?

"Extend" generally refers to making something longer in one dimension, like time or length. "Expand", however, refers to making something larger in all dimensions or in scope.