an extensive discussion of

USAGE SUMMARY

"an extensive discussion of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain that a particular subject was talked about in great detail. For example, "We had an extensive discussion of the company's financial plan during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He ends this book with an extensive discussion of his obituary.

The New York Times - Books

A research scheme is generated and used for an extensive discussion of the literature.

Cities

For an extensive discussion of logic symbols and operations, see formal logic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On the other hand, the panel has an extensive discussion of how the intelligence apparatus is organized and supervised.

The New Yorker

Philoponus' exegetical concerns culminate in chapter 18 with an extensive discussion of Plato's attitude to poetry and myth.

Cornell University

It has an extensive discussion of tessellations, those repeating figures that fill two dimensions, as well as a series of hands-on activities.

The New York Times - Tech

Diverse examples, taken from the literature, are used to illustrate the application of the results obtained and, finally, an extensive discussion of the related literature is provided.

Artificial Intelligence

Selected plots of mode shapes and bending stress distributions are presented, with an extensive discussion of the effects of non-linearity on the dynamic behaviour of shells.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

We describe how the hazard data can be used to produce global flood risk estimates, and, finally, we provide an extensive discussion of model limitations.

Risk Modeling for Hazards and Disasters

In a 2003 article, Skidelsky pointed out how the first volume of his biography, which came out in 1983 and included an extensive discussion of Keynes's private life, "gave critics of Keynesian economics their chance".

The New Yorker

The remark came just a day after Vice President Al Gore, suddenly resurgent in the polls, held an extensive discussion of his own suggested tax cuts, which are less than half the size of the ones proposed by Mr. Bush.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider varying your phrasing to avoid repetition. Alternatives like "a detailed examination of" or "a comprehensive analysis of" can add nuance and sophistication to your writing.

Common error

While "an extensive discussion of" is perfectly acceptable, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. In these situations, consider using simpler alternatives like "a long chat about" or "a deep dive into."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an extensive discussion of" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it introduces a topic that has been examined in detail.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

33%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an extensive discussion of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys a thorough and detailed examination of a subject. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for formal contexts such as academic papers, scientific reports, and professional communications. While versatile, remember to consider simpler alternatives like "a long chat about" for informal settings. The phrase is most commonly found in scientific and news media sources, highlighting its relevance in analytical and informative contexts. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register, you can confidently incorporate "an extensive discussion of" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comprehensive analysis of

Emphasizes a complete and thorough examination, shifting the focus from discussion to analytical review.

a detailed examination of

Focuses on the thoroughness and specificity of the review, highlighting the depth of inspection.

an in-depth exploration of

Suggests a thorough investigation that seeks to uncover deeper meanings and understandings.

a thorough investigation of

Highlights the investigative nature of the discussion, emphasizing a complete and careful inquiry.

a complete rundown of

Offers a full and exhaustive summary or account, implying a comprehensive overview.

a full account of

Provides a comprehensive narrative or explanation, focusing on completeness.

a prolonged debate on

Emphasizes the length and contentious nature of the discussion, highlighting differing viewpoints.

a lengthy deliberation on

Highlights the extended and careful consideration given to a topic before reaching a decision.

a wide-ranging conversation about

Suggests a broad and inclusive discussion covering many aspects of the subject.

a far-reaching discourse on

Implies a discussion that extends to many areas and has significant implications.

FAQs

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

You can use "an extensive discussion of" to indicate a thorough and detailed conversation or analysis about a topic. For example, "The committee engaged in "an extensive discussion of" the proposed budget cuts".

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

Alternatives include phrases like "a detailed examination of", "a comprehensive analysis of", or "an in-depth exploration of", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "an extensive discussion of" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "an extensive discussion of" is generally more suited for formal writing. In informal contexts, consider using alternatives like "a long chat about" or "a deep dive into".

How does "an extensive discussion of" differ from "a brief overview of"?

"An extensive discussion of" implies a thorough and detailed examination, whereas "a brief overview of" suggests a concise summary, covering only the main points.