a extensive review

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a extensive review" is not correct.
It should be "an extensive review." You can use it when referring to a thorough examination or analysis of a subject, typically in academic or professional contexts. Example: "The researchers conducted an extensive review of the literature to gather relevant data for their study."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In a extensive review of morphology of phage particles carried out by Ackermann [32] the closest-related Xanthomonas genus have at least 35 types of tailed phages, where 25 (72%), 9 (25%) and 1 (3%) and are from Siphoviridae, Myoviridae and Podoviridae families respectively.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

This move came as a result of an extensive review of chlorpyrifos, which included studying its toxicity to humans [ 33].

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Despite a concerted attempt to conduct an extensive review, this study contains a number of limitations.

Human Resources for Health

In 2006, a state magistrate, after an extensive review of Wallace's case, recommended that his conviction be overturned.

The New York Times

It is an extensive review providing a detailed history.

Crime Science

We will highlight only a few selected molecules; for an extensive review please see [ 119].

Aging

An exploratory research method was used through an extensive review of literature and an industry survey.

Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice

Yar'Adua also announced an extensive review of legislation and appointed a new economic team.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Abbott government has appointed a self-professed climate sceptic to head an "extensive" review of the renewable energy target.

The Guardian

Graetz et al. [17] published an extensive review about aluminum hydride as "a hydrogen and energy storage material".

Materials for Renewable and Sustainable Energy

Once a year the company auditors also undertake an extensive review of randomly selected injury claims.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the article "an" before "extensive" because "extensive" begins with a vowel sound. The correct phrase is "an extensive review."

Common error

Avoid using "a" before "extensive review". This is a common mistake due to not recognizing that "extensive" starts with a vowel sound, requiring "an" instead of "a".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a extensive review" is intended to function as a noun phrase, describing a detailed examination or assessment. However, it fails to do so correctly due to the grammatical error. As Ludwig highlights, the correct phrasing is "an extensive review."

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a extensive review" is grammatically incorrect; the correct form is "an extensive review". Ludwig AI points out that the error lies in using the indefinite article "a" before a word that begins with a vowel sound. While the intended meaning is clear—to describe a thorough examination—the error detracts from the phrase's effectiveness. This expression is most commonly found in science and news contexts, from sources like The New York Times and ScienceDirect. Always remember to use "an" before "extensive" for grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comprehensive review

Uses a different adjective to convey the thoroughness of the review.

a thorough review

Emphasizes the completeness and attention to detail of the review.

a detailed review

Highlights the level of specificity and depth in the review.

an in-depth analysis

Shifts from "review" to "analysis", stressing the analytical nature of the examination.

a complete evaluation

Replaces "review" with "evaluation", focusing on the assessment aspect.

a broad overview

Contrasts with "extensive" by implying a wide but potentially less deep examination.

a wide-ranging survey

Implies a comprehensive but perhaps less critical examination.

a systematic investigation

Highlights the structured and methodical approach of the review.

a critical assessment

Focuses on the evaluative and judgmental aspect of the review.

a comprehensive study

Replaces "review" with "study", suggesting a more formal and research-oriented approach.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "a extensive review"?

The correct way to phrase this is "an extensive review". The article "an" should be used because the word "extensive" starts with a vowel sound.

What are some alternatives to "a extensive review"?

Some alternatives include "a comprehensive review", "a thorough review", or "a detailed analysis". Note that if you choose to use "extensive" you must use the article "an".

When should I use "an extensive review"?

Use "an extensive review" when you want to indicate a very thorough and detailed examination of a subject. It's suitable for academic, professional, or formal contexts.

Is there a difference between "a thorough review" and "an extensive review"?

While both phrases suggest a detailed examination, "a thorough review" emphasizes completeness, whereas "an extensive review" highlights the breadth and scope of the review. The choice depends on which aspect you want to emphasize.