a survey of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a survey of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an examination or analysis of a particular subject or topic. Example: "The report provides a survey of recent developments in renewable energy technologies."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A survey of literary pooches.

The New Yorker

In a survey of I.C.U.

The New Yorker

In a survey of workers, the G.A.O.

The New York Times

Chesney undertook a survey of the Euphrates River.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A survey of user motivations.

Nature

A Survey of Augmented Reality.

Stanford University

A survey of pediatric otolaryngologists.

Harvard University

A survey of the field.

Harvard University

A Survey of Current Literature.

Cornell University

A survey of residency graduates.

Harvard University

A survey of U.S. endodontists.

Journal of Evidence Based Dental Practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Make sure the following noun is specific and well-defined, such as "a survey of marketing strategies" or "a survey of customer satisfaction".

Common error

Avoid using "a survey of" without clearly defining the scope or parameters of the survey. Be specific about what is being surveyed to provide context and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a survey of" functions primarily as a noun phrase functioning as a determiner followed by a noun that introduces a comprehensive examination or overview of a specific subject. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

33%

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a survey of" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a comprehensive examination or overview of a topic. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and frequent use across diverse contexts, including academic research, news reporting, and scientific studies. When using this phrase, ensure the scope of the survey is well-defined to provide clarity. Alternatives such as "an overview of" or "a review of" can be used depending on the context. This phrase is a valuable tool for presenting information in a structured and informative manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an examination of

This alternative suggests a more detailed and critical inspection.

a study of

This alternative suggests a systematic investigation or research on the topic.

an analysis of

This alternative focuses on breaking down the subject into its constituent parts for better understanding.

an investigation into

This alternative implies a formal or systematic inquiry.

an overview of

This alternative emphasizes a broad and less detailed presentation of the topic.

a review of

This alternative implies a critical assessment of existing information.

an assessment of

This alternative focuses on evaluating the subject's qualities or importance.

an exploration of

This alternative implies a detailed examination or discussion on a particular subject.

a probe into

This alternative suggests a deeper and more penetrating inquiry.

a check of

This alternative suggests a simple verification or inspection.

FAQs

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

You can use "a survey of" to introduce a comprehensive overview or examination of a particular topic. For instance, "This paper provides "a survey of" machine learning techniques.".

What are some alternatives to "a survey of"?

Alternatives include "an overview of", "a review of", or "a study of", depending on the specific context and level of detail.

Is it appropriate to use "a survey of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a survey of" is suitable for formal writing, especially in academic or professional contexts where a comprehensive examination is required. For less formal settings, consider using "an overview of".

How does "a survey of" differ from "a sample of"?

"A survey of" implies a broader examination of a topic, while "a sample of" refers to a subset used for analysis. For example, "a survey of economic indicators" provides a wide view, whereas "a sample of customer feedback" focuses on specific instances.