a extensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a extensive" is not correct in written English.
The correct form is "an extensive" because "extensive" begins with a vowel sound. Example: "The report provided an extensive analysis of the market trends."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

The 18-nucleotide extension in LDHBx is unlikely to contain a extensive secondary structure that would suggest a combined effect of BTR and PTR.

eLife

We have very a extensive training program.

The New York Times

Her profile would make for a cluttered LinkedIn page, with a extensive list of accolades and networks that Smith will be sure to draw on if she got the job at USAid.

The Guardian

"OK Google…" now extended to desktop voice search In the US, Google has already launched a extensive pilot project for Glass, its wearable computing project which offers basic directions, photos and video and basic web searches mostly through voice commands.

The Guardian - Tech

It was occupied for many years by the city's Department of Cultural Affairs and the Convention and Visitors Bureau and is now undergoing a extensive redesign as the future home of the Museum of Arts and Design (formerly known as the American Craft Museum).

The New York Times - Arts

The L-shaped Bronx Criminal Court -- which is so large that its footprint in just the first phase of the project is more than twice the size of a football field -- will also feature a extensive glass facade, as well as a large open-air courtyard with a mini-Guggenheim-looking building set within it that will serve as a jury assembly area.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

I also have an extensive background as a civil litigator.

Huffington Post

A. I have an extensive control system.

The New York Times

Staub has an extensive background in cooking.

The New Yorker

They settled for an extensive makeover.

The New York Times - Sports

Chicago developed an extensive elevated system.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use "an" before words that begin with a vowel sound, such as "extensive". For example, write "an extensive report" instead of "a extensive report".

Common error

Avoid using "a" before words starting with a vowel sound. This error often occurs due to overlooking the phonetic sound rather than the letter itself. Always consider the sound: use "an" before vowel sounds and "a" before consonant sounds.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a extensive" functions as an adjective phrase intended to modify a noun. However, it's grammatically incorrect due to the improper use of the article "a" before a word that begins with a vowel sound. Ludwig AI points out this error, recommending "an extensive" instead.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "a extensive" appears in various sources, it is grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI correctly identifies the error, emphasizing the need for "an" before words starting with a vowel sound. The intended meaning is to describe something as broad or thorough, but the incorrect grammar undermines its effectiveness. To maintain grammatical accuracy and clarity, it is essential to use "an extensive" or consider alternatives such as "a comprehensive" or "a thorough" based on the context. The high frequency of this error across diverse sources underscores the importance of careful proofreading and attention to phonetic sounds in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an extensive

Corrects the grammatical error by using the correct article "an" before the vowel sound of "extensive".

a comprehensive

Replaces "extensive" with "comprehensive" to provide a grammatically correct alternative with a similar meaning of thoroughness.

a thorough

Uses "thorough" instead of "extensive", keeping a similar meaning of being detailed and complete, while maintaining grammatical correctness.

a broad

Offers "broad" as a substitute, implying a wide scope or range, and ensuring grammatical accuracy.

a wide-ranging

Substitutes "extensive" with "wide-ranging", indicating a large variety and scope, presented in a grammatically correct manner.

a substantial

Replaces "extensive" with "substantial", suggesting a considerable amount or size, while adhering to correct grammar.

a detailed

Uses "detailed" instead of "extensive", focusing on the level of detail provided, ensuring grammatical correctness.

a considerable

Offers "considerable" as an alternative, indicating a notable or significant amount, presented in a grammatically correct way.

a large-scale

Substitutes "extensive" with "large-scale", implying a significant size or scope, presented grammatically correctly.

a far-reaching

Replaces "extensive" with "far-reaching", indicating a wide impact or influence, while maintaining grammatical accuracy.

FAQs

Why is "a extensive" grammatically incorrect?

The phrase "a extensive" is incorrect because the word "extensive" begins with a vowel sound. In English grammar, we use "an" before words that start with a vowel sound, not "a". Therefore, the correct phrase is "an extensive".

What are some alternatives to saying "a extensive"?

Since "a extensive" is grammatically incorrect, alternatives include "an extensive", "a comprehensive", or "a thorough" depending on the intended meaning. Always ensure the article matches the following word's sound.

How do I choose between "a" and "an"?

Use "a" before words that begin with a consonant sound (e.g., a car, a university). Use "an" before words that begin with a vowel sound (e.g., an apple, "an extensive" analysis). Pay attention to the sound, not just the letter.

Is it ever correct to use "a" before a word starting with "e"?

Yes, it is correct if the word starting with "e" begins with a consonant sound. For example, "a European country" is correct because "European" sounds like "Yer-o-pean," starting with a "y" sound. However, in most cases, "an" is correct, such as "an extensive" report.