an extensive library

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an extensive library" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a library that has a large collection of books, resources, or materials. Example: "The university boasts an extensive library that caters to the research needs of its students and faculty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Georgia has an extensive library system.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The commune had an extensive library.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I have an extensive library.

The New York Times

Universal has an extensive library of such films.

The New York Times

Facilities There's an extensive library, including impressive specialist collections.

The Guardian

There's an extensive library, including impressive specialist collections.

The Guardian

The bank's basement vault now houses an extensive library of Islamic texts.

The New York Times

The garden also has an extensive library and a large scientific staff.

Britannica

Along with roast chicken and homemade yogurt, there's an extensive library of books in English.

The New York Times

All this time he was building an extensive library on numismatics and ancient art.

The New York Times

Here, surrounded by an extensive library, he would sit for hours.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a library, be specific about its focus. Instead of just saying "an extensive library", mention the types of materials it contains (e.g., "an extensive library of rare manuscripts").

Common error

Avoid using "extensive" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "comprehensive", "vast", or "wide-ranging" to describe different aspects of the library or its collection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an extensive library" functions as a noun phrase, with "extensive" acting as an adjective modifying the noun "library". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English. The phrase describes a library characterized by its large size or comprehensive collection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

7%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an extensive library" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to describe a library with a large and diverse collection of resources. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is found frequently in news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While it can be used across registers, it often lends a formal tone, making it suitable for professional and academic contexts. Remember to avoid overuse of "extensive" and consider synonyms to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comprehensive collection of books

Focuses specifically on books, whereas "an extensive library" can include other materials.

a vast repository of knowledge

Emphasizes the knowledge contained within the library, rather than the physical collection itself.

a substantial collection of resources

Highlights the resources available, which may include books, journals, and digital materials.

a large archive of information

Suggests a focus on historical or preserved information, rather than a general collection.

a rich compendium of literature

Implies a curated and valuable collection of literary works.

a wide-ranging assortment of publications

Emphasizes the variety of published materials available.

an expansive compilation of texts

Highlights the breadth and scope of written works.

a notable assemblage of documents

Suggests a carefully gathered collection of important documents.

a considerable array of reading material

Focuses specifically on materials intended for reading.

a voluminous body of work

Implies a large and significant collection of scholarly or creative output.

FAQs

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

You can use "an extensive library" to describe a place or institution that houses a large collection of books, documents, or other resources. For example, "The university is proud of its "an extensive library", which supports research across all disciplines".

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

Alternatives include "a comprehensive collection of books", "a vast repository of knowledge", or "a substantial collection of resources". The best choice depends on the specific context and what aspect of the library you want to emphasize.

What kind of resources does "an extensive library" typically contain?

An "extensive library" can contain various resources, including books, journals, manuscripts, digital archives, multimedia materials, and databases. The specific contents depend on the purpose and focus of the library.

Is it correct to use "extensive library" to describe a digital collection?

Yes, "extensive library" can be used to describe a digital collection of resources, such as e-books, digital archives, or online databases. In this context, it emphasizes the breadth and depth of the digital resources available.