an extensive catalogue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an extensive catalogue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a large and comprehensive collection of items, such as books, products, or services. Example: "The library offers an extensive catalogue of resources for research and study."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

She created an extensive catalogue of wildflower photographs, accompanied by her observations and research, which was recently printed.

The New York Times

His legacy simultaneously enlightens on the music of nature – for which he provided an extensive catalogue – and of nature in music.

The Guardian - Music

One of our biggest ongoing challenges is ensuring Wolfie has an extensive catalogue of scores to keep up with the needs of any music teacher or student.

The Guardian

Eco, who was most well-known for his 1980 mystery The Name of the Rose, wrote seven novels, three children's books and an extensive catalogue of essays and non-fiction.

The Guardian - Books

You can discover such bonds during what appears to be — if my perusal of an extensive catalogue is accurate — a compelling and free art exhibition headed to Chicago and sponsored by an unlikely patron.

The New York Times

Since it went online, three and a half years ago, the site has published an extensive catalogue of secret material, ranging from the Standard Operating Procedures at Camp Delta, in Guantánamo Bay, and the "Climategate" e-mails from the University of East Anglia, in England, to the contents of Sarah Palin's private Yahoo account.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Prime subscribers know that Amazon already offers a streaming music service with a fairly extensive catalogue available on Echo speakers.

TechCrunch

The real joy is to find an unfamiliar author with an extensive back catalogue.

The Guardian - Books

With such an extensive back catalogue it's no easy task to choose a single standout track – but it's still fun to try.

The Guardian - Music

A great wedding band maybe, but why go for a pastiche when there is such an extensive back catalogue of this genre already on offer?

The Guardian - Music

And the duo didn't disappoint what felt like the majority of the day's estimated 27,500 fans, powering through an extensive back catalogue.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an extensive catalogue", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being catalogued. Provide specific details about the contents or scope of the catalogue to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "an extensive catalogue" if the collection is not truly broad or exhaustive. Instead, opt for more modest descriptions like "a detailed list" or "a useful collection" if the scope is limited.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an extensive catalogue" functions as a noun phrase, where "extensive" modifies the noun "catalogue". It describes a catalogue that is broad in scope and contains a large amount of information or items. Ludwig confirms this with numerous examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

37%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an extensive catalogue" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a wide-ranging and comprehensive listing. As Ludwig suggests, it appears most frequently in news, media, and scientific contexts. The phrase is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings to convey the breadth and scope of a collection. While interchangeable with terms like "a comprehensive list" or "a vast collection", it's important to ensure the adjective accurately reflects the scale of the catalogue to avoid overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comprehensive list

Emphasizes the completeness and thoroughness of the listing rather than the size of the collection.

a vast collection

Highlights the sheer size and abundance of items, possibly without the same level of detailed organization implied by "catalogue".

a comprehensive inventory

Combines the thoroughness of "comprehensive" with the focus on physical listing in "inventory".

a wide array

Suggests a diverse and varied range of items, but not necessarily as systematically organized.

an exhaustive inventory

Indicates a very thorough and complete listing of all items, perhaps with a focus on physical counting and recording.

a detailed compendium

Implies a collection of detailed information on a particular subject, rather than just a list of items.

a substantial inventory

Focuses on the significant amount of items and possibly suggests a financial value associated with the listed items.

a broad compilation

Stresses the act of gathering items together from different sources rather than the list itself.

an extensive compilation

Refers to assembling and organizing a large collection of something.

a voluminous record

Highlights the large size and importance of the written record.

FAQs

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

You can use "an extensive catalogue" to describe a wide-ranging collection of items, such as "The museum boasts "an extensive catalogue" of modern art" or "The online store offers "an extensive catalogue" of books".

What are some alternatives to "an extensive catalogue"?

Alternatives to "an extensive catalogue" include "a comprehensive list", "a vast collection", or "a wide array". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "extensive catalogue" or "comprehensive catalogue"?

Both "extensive catalogue" and "comprehensive catalogue" are acceptable. "Extensive" emphasizes the breadth and scale of the catalogue, while "comprehensive" stresses its thoroughness and completeness. The choice depends on which aspect you want to highlight.

What is the difference between "an extensive catalogue" and "an exhaustive catalogue"?

"Extensive" suggests a large and wide-ranging catalogue, while "exhaustive" implies that the catalogue is extremely thorough and complete, leaving nothing out. "An exhaustive catalogue" is more detailed and complete than "an extensive catalogue".