an extensive collection of

USAGE SUMMARY

"an extensive collection of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing a very large group or selection of items. For example, "The museum has an extensive collection of ancient artifacts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

The resources include an extensive collection of journals, monographs, and statistical publications in print.

University of Chicago

There is, however, an extensive collection of artwork by contemporary street artists — his one big luxury.

The New York Times

Terrapin Logo, with an extensive collection of supporting print materials including project ideas and curriculum materials.

University of California, Berkeley

The library serves mostly as a research library with an extensive collection of primary sources.

Wikipedia

Over the years, she has compiled an extensive collection of Germany's radical-right graffiti.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an extensive collection of" when you want to emphasize the breadth and scope of items gathered, whether physical or digital. For instance, "The library houses an extensive collection of rare manuscripts."

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "an extensive collection of" in very informal settings may sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "lots of" or "a ton of" in casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an extensive collection of" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It describes a large and diverse group of items or concepts that have been gathered or accumulated. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from describing art collections to scientific data.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

31%

Science

22%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an extensive collection of" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe a large and varied group of items or concepts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. As shown by Ludwig's examples, this phrase is particularly frequent in news, academic, and scientific writing. When choosing an alternative, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, such as comprehensiveness, variety, or value. While generally appropriate, avoid overuse in very informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comprehensive compilation of

Emphasizes completeness and organization, more formal than the original phrase.

a wide-ranging array of

Highlights the diversity within the collection, suitable for varied items.

a vast assortment of

Implies a large number and variety, slightly less formal.

a considerable inventory of

Suggests a formal listing, often used in business contexts.

a substantial accumulation of

Focuses on the process of gathering over time, more formal.

a generous selection of

Implies a curated and abundant set, slightly less formal.

a profusion of

Highlights abundance, can be used for both tangible and intangible items.

a wealth of

Emphasizes the value or richness of the collection, slightly metaphorical.

an impressive stockpile of

Suggests a reserve or supply, often used for resources or goods.

a treasure trove of

Emphasizes the precious or valuable nature of the collection.

FAQs

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

You can use "an extensive collection of" to describe a large and varied group of items. For example, "The museum boasts an extensive collection of modern art" or "The website offers an extensive collection of free resources."

What are some alternatives to "an extensive collection of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a comprehensive compilation of", "a wide-ranging array of", or "a vast assortment of".

Is it better to use "an extensive collection of" or "a large collection of"?

"An extensive collection of" implies a broader range and greater detail than "a large collection of". "Extensive" suggests thoroughness, while "large" simply refers to size. Choose based on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Can "an extensive collection of" be used for abstract concepts?

Yes, while often used for physical items, "an extensive collection of" can also describe abstract concepts such as data, knowledge, or resources. For example, "The research paper presents an extensive collection of evidence."