a comprehensive survey

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a comprehensive survey" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a detailed and thorough examination or analysis of a particular subject or area. Example: "The researchers conducted a comprehensive survey to gather data on public opinion regarding climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A comprehensive survey of the damage began.

The New York Times

"Jacob Lawrence Prints, 1963-2000, a Comprehensive Survey".

The New York Times

This is not a comprehensive survey.

The New York Times - Books

The OFT is planning a comprehensive survey of consumer lending.

The Guardian

The gallery also announced plans to show a comprehensive survey of Australian artist John Olsen's work.

The Guardian - Arts

Bromberg's book is a comprehensive survey of one aspect of his appealing art.

The New York Times - Books

Drawn from the company's archive collection, the exhibition presents a comprehensive survey of Tiffany's art jewelry.

The New York Times

"Jesus Camp" doesn't pretend to be a comprehensive survey of the charismatic-evangelical phenomenon.

The New York Times

It's a comprehensive survey of issues facing America and the world – almost.

The Guardian

So that is something to bear in mind if you're looking for a comprehensive survey.

The Guardian - Arts

Apollonius presented a comprehensive survey of the properties of these curves.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a comprehensive survey", ensure the subsequent content genuinely reflects a broad and detailed examination. Avoid using the phrase if the scope is limited.

Common error

Avoid using "a comprehensive survey" to describe a study that only covers a small subset of the topic. This can mislead the audience about the depth of your analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a comprehensive survey" functions as a noun phrase, with "comprehensive" acting as an adjective modifying the noun "survey". Ludwig examples demonstrate it often introduces detailed investigations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a comprehensive survey" is a frequently used and grammatically correct phrase that introduces a detailed and thorough examination of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans diverse contexts, including science, news media, and encyclopedias. The phrase suggests a broad and exhaustive analysis, and its effectiveness hinges on the accuracy of this depiction. For alternatives, consider "an exhaustive study" or "a detailed analysis" depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey. Avoiding overstatement of scope is essential to maintain credibility and precision in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exhaustive study

Emphasizes the thoroughness and completeness of the investigation, implying all aspects were covered.

a detailed analysis

Focuses on the in-depth examination of the components and aspects of a topic.

an in-depth investigation

Highlights the thoroughness of the inquiry, suggesting a deep dive into the subject matter.

a thorough examination

Stresses the completeness and carefulness of the inspection or study.

an extensive review

Indicates a wide-ranging and detailed assessment of the available information.

a broad overview

Provides a general but complete look at a subject, covering the main points.

a complete assessment

Implies that all relevant aspects of a subject have been evaluated.

a wide-ranging study

Indicates the study covers many different areas or aspects of the subject.

a systematic review

Highlights the structured and methodical approach to the examination.

a holistic analysis

Implies a focus on the interconnectedness and interdependence of the various elements.

FAQs

How can I use "a comprehensive survey" in a sentence?

You can use "a comprehensive survey" to introduce a thorough examination or analysis of a particular subject. For example, "The report presents a comprehensive survey of renewable energy technologies."

What phrases are similar to "a comprehensive survey"?

Alternatives include "an exhaustive study", "a detailed analysis", or "a thorough examination". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a comprehensive survey" or "a thorough survey"?

Both phrases are valid, but "a comprehensive survey" typically implies a broader scope than "a thorough survey". A comprehensive survey aims to cover all relevant aspects, while a thorough survey focuses on a detailed examination, but not necessarily covering all possible aspects.

When is it appropriate to use the term "survey"?

The term "survey" suggests a process of gathering data, often through questionnaires or polls, to gain an overview of a topic. If your research primarily involves analyzing existing data or literature, phrases like "a detailed analysis" or "an extensive review" might be more appropriate.