to extend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to extend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as extending an invitation, a deadline, or a service. Example: "We would like to extend our gratitude to all the volunteers who helped with the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Too busy to extend myself.

The New York Times - Books

We have got to extend our defenses".

The New Yorker

Mr Netanyahu refused to extend it.

The Economist

Want to extend this state of grace?

The New York Times - Food

Banks, however, remained reluctant to extend credit.

The Economist

We have to extend our defense.

The New York Times - Sports

Want to extend your trip?

The Guardian

I want to extend affiliations.

The Guardian

She wants to extend marriage.

The Guardian

Now we have to extend that".

The Guardian - Sport

"I am allergic to extend and pretend".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to extend" to indicate the act of making something longer, broader, or more inclusive, whether it be time, space, or influence. Ensure the context clearly defines what is being extended, like "to extend a deadline" or "to extend an invitation".

Common error

Be mindful of redundant phrasing. Instead of saying "to extend further", which is repetitive, simply use "to extend". Clarity and conciseness are key to effective communication.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to extend" is as an infinitive verb phrase. It typically functions as part of a verb construction, often indicating purpose or intention. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase appears in varied contexts, reflecting its broad applicability in modifying verbs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to extend" is a versatile and commonly used infinitive verb phrase, as Ludwig AI confirms with its "Correct" grammatical status. Its function spans offering, prolonging, expanding, and increasing, fitting seamlessly into various contexts, primarily within news, scientific, and formal business settings. While "to extend" maintains a neutral register, avoiding redundancy like "to extend further" is crucial for concise writing. Considering semantically related alternatives such as "to prolong", "to expand", and "to broaden" helps refine the nuance of your message. Mastering this phrase will undoubtedly enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to prolong

Focuses specifically on lengthening the duration of something.

to lengthen

Emphasizes making something longer, either physically or in time.

to expand

Suggests increasing the size, volume, or scope of something.

to broaden

Implies widening the range or scope of something, often knowledge or understanding.

to continue

Indicates maintaining an activity or state without interruption.

to prolongate

Similar to prolong, but slightly more formal and less common.

to protract

Suggests drawing something out, often unnecessarily.

to stretch out

Emphasizes making something longer, often by pulling or manipulation.

to carry on

Implies continuing a task or activity, often despite difficulties.

to keep up

Focuses on maintaining a certain pace or level of activity.

FAQs

How can I use "to extend" in a sentence?

You can use "to extend" in various contexts such as "to extend an invitation", "to extend a deadline", or "to extend a contract". Ensure the sentence clearly indicates what is being extended.

What are some alternatives to using "to extend"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to prolong", "to expand", or "to broaden". Each alternative carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "to extend on" instead of "to extend"?

The phrase "to extend on" is less common and often unnecessary. In most cases, simply using "to extend" is sufficient and clearer. For instance, instead of "to extend on the topic", say "to extend the topic".

What's the difference between "to extend" and "to expand"?

"To extend" generally implies making something longer or reaching further, while "to expand" suggests increasing the size or scope. For example, you might "extend" a deadline, but you would "expand" a business.