extends

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'extends' is correct and frequently used in written English.
It is typically used as a verb meaning to stretch out or lengthen something, both literally and figuratively. It can also be used to mean to offer or grant something, or to reach out to someone. Example: The company plans to extend their reach to international markets in the coming year. Example: The deadline for the project has been extended by one week to allow for more time to complete the necessary tasks. Example: She extended her hand in a friendly gesture of greeting. Example: The professor decided to extend the due date for the assignment due to an unexpected class cancellation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Renewal of the expiring Patriot Act powers would come through the USA Freedom Act, a House-passed bill that extends their lifespan in exchange for killing the bulk US phone records surveillance exposed in 2013 by the Guardian, thanks to whistleblower Edward Snowden.

The Guardian

His patriotic fervour only extends to the fortunes of the Republic of Ireland football team.

The Guardian

That idea of understanding users extends to Evernote's desire to be able to dig into your previous documents and those of your co-workers and ferret out knowledge that will be useful for whatever you're working on, before you realise that you might need it.

The Guardian - Tech

Although the demonstration in Lerwick on Saturday was organised by SNP activists, locals report that the mood against Carmichael extends significantly more widely across the islands, with more events planned for this week.

The Guardian

"We want Iran to calculate what I think is a fair assessment: that if the United States extends a defence umbrella over the region, if we do even more to develop the military capacity of those [allies] in the Gulf, it is unlikely that Iran will be any stronger or safer because they won't be able to intimidate and dominate as they apparently believe they can once they have a nuclear weapon".

The Guardian

So the constitutional tradition Americans should be defending now is a tradition that extends far beyond whatever boundary the fourth amendment has in space, place, or time.

The Guardian - Tech

The manifesto commitment extends the principle of English votes – by which English MPs will be given a veto over legislation that relates solely to England – to financial matters.

The Guardian

This health illiteracy, in terms of a wider system understanding, extends to NHS staff at all levels – improving it will require commitment.

The Guardian

Cameron will also make clear that his tougher stance extends to unambiguous support for the democracy movement in Egypt: "I simply don't accept that there's a dead-end choice between a security state and Islamist resistance".

The Guardian

These set out clearly the main behavioural and social norms for the site, but in general we want this to continue to be a safe place for stimulating discussion about issues and we welcome community participation which supports and extends this.

The Guardian

This is a line that one hears repeated again and again across these islands and one that extends well beyond the vociferous local SNP activists.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "extends", ensure the subject and object are logically connected. For example, "The offer extends to all new customers" clarifies who benefits from the offer.

Common error

Avoid using unnecessary prepositions after "extends". For example, instead of saying "The program extends for five years", simply say "The program "extends" five years".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "extends" is a verb, typically used in the third-person singular form. It signifies the action of something reaching further, lasting longer, or encompassing more. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The verb "extends" is a versatile term used to indicate an increase in scope, duration, or application. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, including news, formal business settings, and scientific publications. Common usage involves clarifying the reach, duration, or implication of a subject. While various alternatives such as "prolongs", "expands", and "reaches" exist, the specific context determines the most appropriate substitution. When using "extends", ensure clarity by logically connecting the subject and object, while avoiding unnecessary prepositions. This comprehensive analysis provides practical guidance for utilizing "extends" effectively in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expands

Focuses on increasing the size, volume, or scope of something.

broadens

Suggests widening the scope or range of something.

prolongs

Implies lengthening the duration of something, often in a formal or legal context.

enlarges

Similar to expands, but suggests making something physically larger.

increases

A general term for making something larger or greater.

continues

Focuses on maintaining the existence or activity of something over time.

augments

Indicates adding to something to improve or enhance it.

reaches

Emphasizes the scope or influence achieving a certain point or target.

covers

Indicates the scope or range including particular elements or aspects.

sustains

Implies keeping something going or supporting it over a period of time.

FAQs

How can I use "extends" in a sentence?

You can use "extends" to indicate that something reaches further, lasts longer, or applies to a greater area. For example, "The warranty "extends" for two years."

What are some alternatives to the word "extends"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "prolongs", "expands", or "reaches".

When should I use "extends to" vs. just "extends"?

"Extends to" indicates that something applies to or includes something else, such as "The offer "extends" to all new customers". "Extends" alone can indicate duration or length, such as "The road "extends" for five miles".

What's the difference between "extends" and "expands"?

"Extends" generally refers to length or duration, while "expands" refers to size or scope. You can use "expands" when something grows in size, while "extends" suggests reaching or lasting longer.