extend (one's) sympathy

To share one's condolences. I'm so sorry to hear about your sister's passing. Please extend my sympathy to your mother as well. Don't worry, I extended your sympathy in my card too. I can't make it to the funeral, so please extend my sympathy to the family when you go.

extend a/(one's) hand

1. To reach toward someone in order to shake hands. He extended his hand once we agreed on the terms, and I shook it firmly. I wasn't trying to snub him, I honestly just didn't see him extend his hand to me! After Mary introduced us, I extended a hand to Tom.

2. To make a gesture or declaration of welcome, amity, goodwill, etc. (to someone). Ultimately, we are all football fans, so I always extend a hand in friendship to my opponents and their supporters. The conservatives in Congress eventually extended a hand to Democrats on the issue of raising the debt ceiling. Of course I would extend my hand to Ellen even though I don't know her personally. She's my best friend's friend, after all!

3. To offer one's support or assistance (to someone). The entire community has extended their hand to help us recover from this devastating tragedy. The country was quick to extend a hand when its neighbor to the North needed an ally. Thankfully, the government extended a hand to the hurricane-ravaged area immediately after the storm dissipated.

extend across (something)

To stretch across or over something. When we noticed the dark clouds extending across the skyline, we quickly packed up our things and ran from the beach. Mom, I don't think your clothesline is long enough to extend across the entire patio. A checkered ribbon extended across the finish line at the race.

extend from (something)

To stretch from one thing or place to another; to affect multiple things or areas. Unfortunately, it seems like the leak has extended from the kitchen to the living room. Mom, I don't think your clothesline is long enough to extend from one end of the patio to the other. The storm will likely extend from Jacksonville in the north to Miami in the south.

extend to (someone or something)

1. To spread or continue to some area or point. Has the leak in the kitchen extended to the living room now too? Mom, I don't think your clothesline is long enough to extend to the end of patio from here. The storm will likely start in Jacksonville in the north and extend to Miami in the south.

2. To include or encompass someone or something. The handbook extends to seniors too, so you'll get a demerit if your shirt isn't tucked in. This extends to you too, you know. No one is above the law—not even rich CEOs. Mom and Dad left me in charge, so these bedtime rules don't extend to me—they're just for you twerps.

3. To cause something to become longer, either in physical length or duration. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "extend" and "to." Can you extend the measuring tape to this spot on the wall? This isn't a very tall ladder—I doubt it will extend to the ceiling. Stand here so that the train of your gown extends to the entrance of the church.

4. To share something with someone. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "extend" and "to." I'm so sorry to hear about your sister's passing. Please extend my sympathy to your mother as well. Don't worry, I extended your sympathy in my card too. I can't make it to the funeral, so please extend my sympathy to the family when you go.