gratuitous extension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gratuitous extension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is provided without necessity or justification, often implying that it is excessive or unnecessary. Example: "The committee decided to grant a gratuitous extension to the deadline, even though it was not warranted by the circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But at the same time, the White House has been hounding Congressional Republicans to do whatever it takes, including blatant budget gimmickry, to pass $70 billion worth of additional tax cuts, among them a wholly gratuitous extension of special low tax rates for investors.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

15 37 A gratuitous masturbation reference on "Blue".

The New York Times - Arts

Ex post facto extensions of copyrights result in a gratuitous transfer of wealth from the public to authors, publishers, and their successors in interest.

Harvard University

Gratuitous, too.

The New York Times

Or gratuitous?

The Guardian

Stark, gratuitous.

The Guardian

Note that gratuitous "lamely".

The New York Times - Books

But maybe not gratuitous.

The Washington Post

"They are not gratuitous.

Independent

It's just gratuitous.

Independent

Literature is necessarily gratuitous.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gratuitous extension", ensure the context clearly indicates that the extension is not only unnecessary but also potentially harmful or wasteful. Avoid using it simply to mean 'long extension'.

Common error

Avoid using "gratuitous extension" in situations where a simple "unnecessary extension" would suffice. "Gratuitous" carries a stronger connotation of excessiveness and lack of justification, so ensure it fits the tone and severity of the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gratuitous extension" functions as a noun phrase, where "gratuitous" modifies the noun "extension". It's used to describe an extension that is uncalled for or unnecessary, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gratuitous extension" is a phrase used to describe an extension that is unnecessary or unjustified. While grammatically correct, according to Ludwig, it's relatively rare, appearing mostly in news and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context warrants the strong negative connotation of "gratuitous". Consider alternatives like "unnecessary extension" or "excessive extension" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase is best suited for neutral or formal registers and should be avoided in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unnecessary extension

Replaces "gratuitous" with a more straightforward term for lack of necessity.

excessive extension

Uses "excessive" to emphasize the unwarranted nature of the extension.

unjustified extension

Highlights the absence of a valid reason for the extension.

needless extension

Indicates that the extension serves no real purpose.

unwarranted extension

Emphasizes that the extension lacks authorization or justification.

superfluous extension

Implies that the extension is beyond what is required or needed.

redundant extension

Suggests that the extension is repetitive or unnecessary.

uncalled-for extension

Indicates that the extension was inappropriate or not justified.

gratuitous prolongation

Substitutes "extension" with "prolongation", keeping "gratuitous" to denote unnecessary length.

unessential extension

Replaces "gratuitous" with another word, keeping the meaning that the extension is not essential.

FAQs

What does "gratuitous extension" mean?

A "gratuitous extension" refers to an "unnecessary extension", often implying it's excessive or unwarranted. It suggests that the extension was granted without a valid reason or need.

When is it appropriate to use "gratuitous extension" in writing?

Use "gratuitous extension" when you want to emphasize that an extension isn't just unnecessary, but also unjustified or perhaps even harmful. It's stronger than simply saying "unnecessary extension".

What are some alternatives to "gratuitous extension"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "unnecessary extension", "excessive extension", or "unjustified extension". Each alternative conveys a slightly different nuance related to the lack of necessity or justification.

Is "gratuitous extension" formal or informal language?

"Gratuitous extension" leans towards formal language, though its appropriateness depends on the overall tone of the writing. In very informal contexts, simpler terms like "unnecessary extension" might be more suitable.