pure gravy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pure gravy" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something that is considered extra or a bonus, often in a positive context. Example: "The unexpected bonus at work was pure gravy; it made my day even better."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Pure gravy!

The Guardian

Produced at little additional cost, promoted by the brand, these could be pure gravy.

The Guardian

So a huge amount of this money is just pure gravy".

The New York Times

"If the stock recovers and gets converted out, it's pure gravy".

The New York Times

"That's pure gravy, because the cost of building remains the same," she said.

The New York Times

"As long as you are protected by F.D.I.C. insurance, the additional return is pure gravy," Mr. McBride said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Making perfect gravy.

Cornell University

If taking away pure chips (salt and vinegar, no gravy etc), then the perfect if unfashionable serve would be in a paper bag/ wrapper.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So, you've traveled across the length and breadth of land to your beloved family once there you stuff your face with turkey, sweet potatoes, pour gravy down your throat straight from the gravy boat, eat so much mashed potatoes you have pure starch pumping through your veins, and still find room for pumpkin pie.

Vice

RED GRAVY Sunday gravy?

The New York Times - Food

Gravy train?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pure gravy" to describe unexpected benefits or gains that enhance an already positive situation. It adds a touch of informality and emphasizes the bonus aspect.

Common error

Avoid using "pure gravy" in formal or highly professional contexts where a more direct or technical term would be more appropriate. It's generally better suited for informal or descriptive writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pure gravy" functions as an idiomatic expression used as a noun phrase. It describes something additional or extra, often viewed as a positive bonus. The Ludwig examples show that it is used to describe extra revenue or benefits.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

12%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In essence, "pure gravy" is an idiomatic expression signifying an unexpected or additional benefit, often viewed positively. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media. While it's suitable for informal and descriptive contexts, it should be used cautiously in formal or professional writing, where more direct alternatives might be preferable. Remember, it's all "pure gravy" when something exceeds expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sheer bonus

Replaces "gravy" with "bonus", emphasizing the extra benefit; "sheer" adds intensity.

extra advantage

Focuses on the beneficial aspect, replacing the metaphorical "gravy" with a more literal term.

added perk

Uses "perk" to highlight the advantageous nature, suitable for describing job benefits or unexpected gains.

further benefit

Highlights the additional gain, suitable for formal contexts.

unexpected benefit

Highlights the surprise element of the additional advantage.

icing on the cake

A more common idiom emphasizing something that makes a good situation even better.

windfall profit

Implies a sudden, unexpected gain, usually financial.

cream on top

Similar to "icing on the cake" but slightly less common.

gratuitous gain

Emphasizes that the gain was unearned or unmerited.

supplemental income

Focuses specifically on additional earnings, usually in a financial context.

FAQs

How can I use "pure gravy" in a sentence?

You can use "pure gravy" to describe something extra or a bonus in a situation. For example, "The unexpected bonus at work was "pure gravy"; it made my day even better."

What's a more formal way to say "pure gravy"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "added benefit", "additional advantage", or "supplemental income" for financial situations.

Is "pure gravy" appropriate for professional writing?

While understandable, "pure gravy" is generally better suited for informal writing. In professional settings, opt for more formal phrases like "extra perk" or "added value".

Can "pure gravy" be used in a negative context?

No, "pure gravy" typically carries a positive connotation, referring to something extra or beneficial. It's not usually used to describe negative situations.