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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
an extensive material
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "an extensive material" is not correct in standard English usage.
It should be "extensive materials" if referring to multiple items or "an extensive body of material" if referring to a singular collection. Example: "The research paper was based on an extensive body of material gathered from various sources."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Academia
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
3 human-written examples
Moreover, La2O3, Gd2O3, Sm2O3, and Yb2O3 nanoparticles induced significantly more IL-1β production than AP-MWCNTs or quartz over an extensive material dose range (0 200 μg/mL).
Science
We studied an extensive material of 152 non- BRCA1/2 tumours, and also 110 tumours from BRCA1/2 families for histopathological features as well as for the immunohistochemical expression of ER, PgR, p53 and erbB2.
Science
An extensive material testing program was also carried out to define the material properties for finite element analysis.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
The study described in this article aims at explaining the raw material variability of an API using extensive material characterization on a restricted number of representative batches using multivariate data analysis.
He was a student of Chicago School urban sociologists Ernest Burgess and Robert E. Park and prepared extensive material for a never-completed PhD dissertation on Chicago's "bohemian" population –artists, immigrants, workers, and those living transient or unconventional lifestyles in the city's rooming houses and settlement houses.
Academia
In a previous appearance the court heard extensive material had been found on a mobile phone and two laptop computers seized from the man.
News & Media
Now a British author has unearthed extensive material that Vatican insiders believe will restore his reputation, revealing the part that he played in saving lives and opposing nazism.
News & Media
This class of objects has a significant potential to cause extensive material damage and even human casualties on the ground, and as such is of great interest to the planetary defense community.
Science
He prepared extensive material for a dissertation on Chicago's "bohemian" population –artists, immigrants, students, workers, and those living transient or unconventional lifestyles in the city's rooming houses and settlement houses.
Academia
The main aim of the analysis was to condense the extensive material into a few content categories by way of inductive content analysis as described by Lauri & Kyngäs [ 11].
Science
Extensive material characterizations revealed a high crystalline quality of the grown structures with an excellent growth control.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When referring to multiple items, use the plural form "extensive materials". For a singular, collective entity, opt for "an extensive body of material".
Common error
Avoid using "an extensive material" when referring to multiple items. This construction is grammatically incorrect. Always use "extensive materials" in such cases.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "an extensive material" is intended to function as a descriptor, specifying that there is a large quantity of some resource. However, this phrasing is grammatically incorrect as flagged by Ludwig. See examples in Ludwig for valid usages.
Frequent in
Science
33%
News & Media
33%
Academia
33%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "an extensive material" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig identifies that the proper forms are "extensive materials" (plural) or "an extensive body of material" (singular). While examples do exist across scientific, news, and academic sources, the low frequency and grammatical issues suggest avoiding this phrase. Instead, consider alternatives like "a large quantity of material" or "a wide range of materials" to more accurately and effectively convey your intended meaning. The authoritative sources point to the importance of using grammatically sound phrases in formal writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
a large quantity of material
Replaces "extensive" with "large quantity", focusing on the amount of material.
a comprehensive collection of material
Substitutes "extensive" with "comprehensive collection", highlighting the completeness of the material.
a wide range of materials
Changes "material" to the plural "materials" and uses "wide range" instead of "extensive".
a substantial amount of material
Replaces "extensive" with "substantial amount", emphasizing the significant quantity.
an extensive array of materials
Uses "array" to suggest a structured collection and changes "material" to plural form.
a vast amount of resources
Replaces "material" with "resources", broadening the context to include various types of support.
a considerable body of work
Changes "material" to "body of work", appropriate when referring to academic or creative outputs.
a significant volume of data
Substitutes "material" with "data", suitable for contexts involving information analysis.
a wealth of information
Replaces "material" with "information", suitable for contexts involving research or reporting.
a plentiful supply of resources
Uses "plentiful supply" to describe a large and readily available source.
FAQs
What is the correct way to use "an extensive material" in a sentence?
The phrase "an extensive material" is grammatically incorrect. Instead, use "extensive materials" (plural) or "an extensive body of material" (singular).
What can I say instead of "an extensive material"?
You can use alternatives like "a large quantity of material", "a wide range of materials", or "a substantial amount of material" depending on the context.
Is it better to say "an extensive material" or "extensive materials"?
"Extensive materials" is the correct plural form. The singular "an extensive material" is generally considered incorrect.
What's the difference between "an extensive material" and "an extensive body of material"?
"An extensive material" is not grammatically correct. Use "an extensive body of material" when referring to a large collection as a single entity.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested