extra

USAGE SUMMARY

The word “extra” is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it either as an adjective to refer to something that is more than what is ordinary or expected, or as an adverb to mean "in addition". For example, “I'm planning an extra special surprise for my partner’s birthday.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's just really important for everybody to take extra precautions".

The Guardian

International flights extra.

The Guardian - Travel

First Dog on the Moon presents First Email on the Moon, which will send a link and a little extra cartoon straight to your inbox when they're published on the Guardian website.

The Guardian

Social media created an extra public space where a more truthful and nuanced discussion could go on – and it created an outlet for information to the world.

The Guardian - Opinion

Flights extra While the situation in East Timor is relatively calm compared with recent periods of political strife, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office still advises against "all but essential travel" to the region.

The Guardian - Travel

"The extra space is about the size of Trafalgar Square," said Eavis.

The Guardian - Music

The after-dark madness that congregates around the fantasy areas of Shangri-la and Arcadia will be given more room than ever this year, with the festival ploughing in an extra £200,000 into the area, increasing its size by 10 acres.

The Guardian - Music

For its part, the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (Adass) says that paying the UKHCA's £15.74 would cost an extra £342m a year in England, "which would require us to make very serious further cuts in parts of the adult social care service".

The Guardian

Related: Great Barrier Reef in dire straits without extra $500m and ban on dumping Labor's new plan removes millions of dollars in taxpayer support for dredging at Abbot Point, while requiring that seabed to be dumped onshore next to the port instead of in sensitive wetlands or in reef waters.

The Guardian

Because the money is a one-off and must be spent immediately, councils will use it largely to buy in extra services such as care agency support for people in their own homes and short-term places in residential homes.

The Guardian

The rise in GDP was supported by tailwinds from falling fuel prices, which put extra cash into consumers' pockets, and the export-boosting drop in the value of the euro.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "extra" as an adjective, ensure it clearly modifies the noun it precedes, indicating something beyond what is expected or necessary. For instance, "extra time" or "extra help".

Common error

Avoid using "extra" as a direct substitute for "very" in informal contexts. While it might seem interchangeable, it's more appropriate to use "very" or more precise adjectives like "extremely" or "exceptionally" to describe a high degree of something.

Linguistic Context

The word "extra" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate something beyond the usual or expected. It can also act as an adverb, intensifying verbs or adjectives. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and varied usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "extra" is a versatile word that functions as an adjective, adverb, or noun, most often to indicate something more than what is usual, expected, or necessary. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s considered grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts. While its usage is considered neutral, more formal alternatives like "additional" may be preferred in academic writing. When writing, remember that while "extra" can intensify other words, it should not be used as a direct substitute for the word "very", as this is often considered incorrect. Examples from Ludwig showcase its common use in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

additional

Indicates something is added or supplemental, like "extra", but is more commonly used in formal contexts.

supplementary

Similar to "additional", suggesting something that completes or enhances something else.

surplus

Refers to an amount beyond what is needed, emphasizing excess.

redundant

Implies unnecessary repetition or duplication, highlighting excess to a greater degree than "extra".

exceptional

Conveys a higher quality or degree, emphasizing superiority rather than mere addition.

supernumerary

Describes something exceeding the standard or prescribed number. Emphasizes the numerical aspect of the addition.

spare

Suggests something kept in reserve for use when needed.

gratuitous

Implies something is uncalled for or lacking good reason. Carries a negative connotation of excess.

ancillary

Describes something that provides support, like an assistant. Focuses on a supporting role.

superfluous

Similar to "redundant", implying something beyond what is needed or useful. Has a strong connotation of excess.

FAQs

How can I use "extra" in a sentence?

"Extra" can be used as an adjective (e.g., "I need some extra help") or an adverb (e.g., "He tried extra hard"). It also functions as a noun (e.g., "Read all about it! Extra, extra!").

What's the difference between "extra" and "additional"?

Both "extra" and "additional" mean 'more than what is usual or necessary'. "Extra" is often used in more informal contexts, while "additional" tends to be more formal and suggests a structured addition.

What are some synonyms for "extra"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "supplementary", "surplus", or "exceptional" as alternatives to "extra".

Is it correct to say "extra special"?

Yes, "extra special" is a common and acceptable phrase used to emphasize that something is particularly special or noteworthy.