an extensive background

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an extensive background" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who has a lot of experience or knowledge in a particular area or field. Example: "She has an extensive background in environmental science, making her an ideal candidate for the research position."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Staub has an extensive background in cooking.

The New Yorker

She has an extensive background in human resources.

The New York Times

Special branch sent them an extensive background report on Orwell.

The Guardian

It requires that participants have an extensive background in journalism.

Columbia University

She also has an extensive background in the private sector.

Princeton University

Since 2002, citizenship applicants also undergo an extensive background check by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The New York Times

This gave Jill an extensive background in common questions and how they should be answered.

The Washington Post

According to Fox 10, Sutherland passed an "extensive background check" when he was hired.

The Washington Post

Mr. Odigie has an extensive background in trade union organizing and social movement-building.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

I also have an extensive background as a civil litigator.

Huffington Post

KAW: Yes, I do indeed have an extensive background in both.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's qualifications, use "an extensive background" to highlight their comprehensive experience and knowledge in a particular field. This phrase adds weight to their credentials and demonstrates a solid foundation for their expertise.

Common error

While "an extensive background" is a useful phrase, avoid using it repeatedly when describing multiple individuals in the same document. Vary your language by using synonyms like "a rich history" or "considerable expertise" to keep your writing engaging and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an extensive background" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It describes the depth and breadth of someone's experience or knowledge in a particular area. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

28%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

9%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an extensive background" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase to describe someone with significant experience and knowledge. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across various fields. It is frequently found in News & Media and Academic contexts. When writing, consider using synonyms such as "a comprehensive history" or "considerable expertise" to avoid repetition. This phrase is best suited for professional and neutral registers, emphasizing qualifications and competence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comprehensive history

Emphasizes the completeness and detail of the past experiences.

a broad experience

Focuses on the wide range of experiences someone has.

a deep understanding

Highlights a thorough and profound comprehension of a subject.

considerable expertise

Stresses the high level of skill and knowledge in a specific area.

substantial knowledge

Indicates a significant amount of information and understanding.

vast experience

Implies a great amount of practical knowledge gained over time.

thorough grounding

Highlights a solid and well-established foundation of knowledge.

a rich history

Suggests a detailed and significant past filled with varied experiences.

a solid foundation

Focuses on a strong and reliable base of knowledge and skills.

a wealth of knowledge

Emphasizes the abundance of information and understanding possessed.

FAQs

How can I use "an extensive background" in a sentence?

You can use "an extensive background" to describe someone's qualifications or experience in a particular field. For example, "She has "an extensive background" in environmental science, making her an ideal candidate for the research position."

What are some alternatives to saying "an extensive background"?

You can use alternatives like "a comprehensive history", "a broad experience", or "considerable expertise depending on the context.

Is it better to say "an extensive background" or "a wide range of experience"?

Both phrases are correct, but ""an extensive background"" often implies a deeper, more thorough understanding and history, while "a wide range of experience" focuses on the variety of experiences.

What's the difference between "an extensive background" and "a solid foundation"?

"An extensive background" suggests a breadth and depth of experience, while "a solid foundation" implies a strong, reliable base of knowledge or skills. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize experience or fundamental knowledge.