that extra something

USAGE SUMMARY

"that extra something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a quality or attribute in a person or a thing that makes them unique, special or attractive. For example, "She had that extra something that made her stand out from the crowd."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

When I asked Frank Melloul what that "extra something" might be, he had a somewhat different definition.

The New Yorker

We try to bring that extra something".

The New Yorker

"We didn't have that extra something Indiana did".

The New York Times - Sports

Instead, account for that extra something in a budget when it starts happening on a regular basis.

The New York Times

The placenta preparations, she insisted, had "that extra something – much better than fruit smoothies or beetroot juice".

Independent

Now God has given them the perfect audience, and they twirl with that extra something which and they twirl with that extra something which an artist puts into her work when being watched.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Like Hallmark, I believe that this extra something should be in the form of a sentiment... an expression that makes a connection.

Huffington Post

The process philosopher may therefore adopt the expedient of Henri Bergson, saying that temporal process (the extra something that makes the difference between a static and a dynamic universe) just cannot be pictured spatially (whether one supposes four, five, or more dimensions).

Encyclopedia Britannica

From board retreats to spiritual retreats to couples retreats and more, a rental projector adds that little extra "something" that makes the event even more special.

WikiHow

He'll not be winning this version, but he's showcasing the extra something that makes a champion.

The Guardian - Sport

It can help in giving your CV just that little extra something to make it stand out from the rest.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that extra something" when you want to refer to a quality or attribute that is not easily defined but makes something or someone special and distinctive.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "that extra something" if more specific language can better convey the intended meaning. Overuse can make your writing sound vague or uninspired.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that extra something" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to an intangible quality or attribute that elevates something or someone above the ordinary, adding a unique appeal or advantage. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

15%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that extra something" is a frequently used and grammatically correct phrase used to describe an indefinable quality that makes something or someone special or unique. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is valid and effective in written English. It's most commonly found in news and media, but also appears in wikis and other general contexts. When using this phrase, consider if more specific language would be more effective, but generally it provides a useful way to highlight an intangible, yet noticeable, positive attribute.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a certain je ne sais quoi

Uses a French term to describe an indefinable quality that makes something attractive or special.

a special attribute

Replaces 'something' with 'attribute' for a more formal tone.

a unique quality

Highlights the distinctiveness of the 'something' being referred to.

an added advantage

Focuses on the benefit or advantage provided by the 'extra something'.

a distinguishing feature

Emphasizes that the 'something' sets it apart from others.

a little something special

Adds emphasis using both 'little' and 'special'.

a touch of magic

Uses a more figurative expression to denote a special, almost unexplainable quality.

a noteworthy element

Emphasizes the importance and worth of the component.

an invaluable asset

Highlights the usefulness and value the attribute adds.

a remarkable characteristic

Draws attention to the notability of the aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "that extra something" in a sentence?

You can use "that extra something" to describe a quality or attribute that makes something or someone special, for example: "She had "that extra something" that made her stand out from the crowd".

What are some alternatives to "that extra something"?

Alternatives include "a certain je ne sais quoi", "a special attribute", or "a unique quality", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "that extra something" formal or informal?

"That extra something" is generally considered neutral to informal in tone. For more formal contexts, consider using a phrase like "a distinguishing feature" or "an invaluable asset".

What does it mean when someone says something has "that extra something"?

It typically means the subject possesses an indefinable quality that makes it particularly appealing, effective, or special. It's often used when the specific attribute is hard to pinpoint but its effect is noticeable.