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Meaning & use

by extension

phrase·Advanced

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UK/ˌbaɪ ɪkˈstenʃn/
US/ˌbaɪ ɪkˈstenʃn/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phrase

    Used to introduce a further idea that follows logically from the one just mentioned.

    Grammar: Stands at the beginning of a clause, usually followed by a comma: He writes novels, and by extension, he understands story structure.

    Patterns

    • X, and by extension, Y
    • by extension of something

    She studies how children learn language, and by extension, how the brain handles rules.

    The law protects the author's name, and by extension, the author's reputation.

    If the manager trusts the team, then by extension she trusts each member's judgment.

  2. phrasefixed phrase

    As a wider or broader use of the same word or idea.

    Grammar: Often follows a noun or verb to explain a broader application of a term: 'mouse', and by extension, any small pointing device.

    Patterns

    • something, and by extension, something

    The word 'pen' meant a feather, and by extension, any writing tool.

    They discussed the family home and, by extension, all shared property.

Common combinations

and by extension
He owns the land, and by extension, the mineral rights beneath it.
by extension of the argument
By extension of the argument, all citizens should have equal access.
by extension, the whole system
One faulty part failed, and by extension, the whole system shut down.

Synonyms and how they differ

consequently
Focuses on a result or effect, while 'by extension' stresses a logical widening of the same idea.
in turn
Suggests one thing leads to another in sequence; 'by extension' suggests a broader application rather than a later event.

Word family

extension noun
The act of making something longer or wider, or an added part.
extend verb
To make something longer or larger, or to stretch out.
extended adjective
Longer or larger than usual, or continuing for a long time.

Commonly confused: by extension or by definition? by extension or in extension?

by extension vs by definition

'By definition' means because of what the word itself means; 'by extension' means as a further, wider application of an idea.

by extension vs in extension

This is not a standard English phrase; use 'by extension' or 'in addition' instead.

Practice

The company controls the port, and ___ , most of the region's trade.

Make it your own

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