an extensive collection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an extensive collection" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a large and varied group of items, such as books, artworks, or any other assembled items. Example: "The museum boasts an extensive collection of ancient artifacts from various cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This library had an extensive collection of materials about Native American linguistics and folklore, originally collected by James Hammond Trumbull.

Wikipedia

Facets has an extensive collection of foreign cinema.

The New York Times

(He has an extensive collection of the figurines).

The New Yorker

Visitors will find an extensive collection of clematis.

The New York Times - Travel

(Her) I have an extensive collection of cookbooks.

The New York Times

He was asked about an extensive collection of YouTube clips showing his highlights.

The New York Times - Sports

The Bronxville Public Library owns an extensive collection of art produced by local luminaries.

The New York Times

Then take in the art itself, an extensive collection of wildlife paintings and sculptures.

The New York Times - Travel

His later fascination with ham radios led to an extensive collection of war radio equipment.

The New York Times

Go to any science museum with an extensive collection and walk among its oldest display cases.

The New York Times - Arts

The Museum of Modern Art has an extensive collection of architectural models.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a collection, specify what makes it "extensive". Is it the size, variety, historical significance, or comprehensiveness? Providing context enhances the reader's understanding and appreciation of the collection.

Common error

Avoid using "an extensive collection" as a generic descriptor. Ensure the collection truly warrants the adjective "extensive" by being noticeably large or comprehensive. If the collection is small or unremarkable, a more modest descriptor is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an extensive collection" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a set of items that are numerous or wide-ranging. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and correct expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

20%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an extensive collection" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a large or comprehensive accumulation of items. As Ludwig AI validates, its utility spans diverse contexts, including news, science, and general knowledge. The phrase works as a noun phrase, used to inform about the scope of gathered items. While versatile, the term should be used judiciously to ensure the described collection genuinely warrants the label "extensive". Related phrases such as "a vast compilation" or "a comprehensive assemblage" offer alternative ways to express the same concept with slightly different nuances. With an expert rating of 4.5, the phrase is a reliable choice for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a vast compilation

Replaces "extensive" with "vast", emphasizing the scale of the collection.

a comprehensive assemblage

Substitutes both "extensive" and "collection" for alternatives emphasizing completeness and gathering.

a substantial inventory

Replaces "collection" with "inventory", suggesting a more structured and cataloged accumulation.

a considerable accumulation

Emphasizes the gradual gathering of items over time.

a wide-ranging assortment

Highlights the variety within the collection.

a profuse array

Focuses on the abundance and impressive display of items.

a plentiful stock

Suggests a generous supply, often used in business contexts.

a capacious repository

Emphasizes the large capacity or storage space for the collection.

a grand reserve

Implies a strategic or valuable accumulation, often for future use.

a massive hoard

Suggests a hidden or secretly accumulated collection, often of valuables.

FAQs

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

You can use "an extensive collection" to describe a wide variety of items. For example: "The library has "an extensive collection" of rare books", or "The museum is known for "an extensive collection" of modern art".

What can I say instead of "an extensive collection"?

You can use alternatives like "a vast compilation", "a comprehensive assemblage", or "a substantial inventory" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "an extensive collection of many items"?

Yes, saying "an extensive collection of many items" is somewhat redundant. The word "collection" already implies multiple items, and "extensive" suggests a large number. It's better to simply say ""an extensive collection"".

What's the difference between "an extensive collection" and "a comprehensive collection"?

"An extensive collection" implies a large quantity or wide variety, while "a comprehensive collection" suggests completeness and thoroughness. An extensive collection might have many items, while a comprehensive collection aims to include all relevant items, even if the number is smaller.