an extensive period

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'an extensive period' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a length of time that is long or extended, either literally or metaphorically. For example: "The author spent an extensive period of research before writing their latest book."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

City required an extensive period to get accustomed to it.

The Guardian - Sport

The foreign players feel more comfortable being treated at home, especially if there is an extensive period of recuperation.

The Guardian - Sport

In response to two pages of written questions from Reuters, a lawyer for Epstein said the financier's philanthropy has been widespread for an extensive period of time.

The Guardian

Stottlemyre told club officials in March that he was likely to leave the team for an extensive period during the season.

The New York Times - Sports

"What that means is that it has been quite an extraordinary raid, over an extensive period of time, in extraordinary circumstances during an election campaign," he told the Nine Network.

The Guardian

The employee also usually remains unsettled and in temporary housing for an extensive period of time, she said, because the buying process usually takes much longer than finding a house to rent.

The New York Times

It could also be a major part of New York's season if El Duque is out for an extensive period, especially if the Yankees eventually try the suspect Dwight Gooden in the rotation.

The New York Times - Sports

The manufacturers claim that the Jabulani is the "roundest ball ever produced" following an extensive period of development at Loughborough University, although it has prompted a sceptical response from goalkeepers.

The Guardian - Sport

"This includes publication of a full impact assessment detailing the new system's costs and benefits, a comprehensive round of user-testing, an extensive period of consultation and adequate time for HMRC to take on board required changes".

The Guardian

During an extensive period of consulting in career coaching and organisational development, he has helped people to successfully manage a difficult boss and find a way to deliver improved results and secure a promotion.

The Guardian

Indeed, their injury list has been so extensive it would be quicker to list the players who didn't feature on it for an extensive period than those that did.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an extensive period", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended duration. It's suitable for formal and informal settings, but be mindful of the specific nuance you want to express.

Common error

Avoid using "an extensive period" when you actually mean a period of intense activity or emotion. "Extensive" refers to length or scope, not intensity. Instead, consider using phrases like "an intense phase" or "a highly active time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an extensive period" functions as a noun phrase, where "extensive" modifies the noun "period". Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for describing prolonged durations across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an extensive period" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to describe a long duration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across diverse contexts, including science, news, and formal writing. While phrases like "a prolonged duration" or "a considerable timeframe" can serve as alternatives, "an extensive period" effectively conveys a significant length of time. Remember to use "extensive" to denote duration and scope rather than intensity, ensuring clarity in your writing. Overall, this phrase is a valuable tool for clearly expressing timeframes in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a prolonged duration

Replaces "extensive period" with synonyms that emphasize length and continuation.

a considerable timeframe

Substitutes "extensive" with "considerable" and "period" with "timeframe", focusing on the substantial nature of the duration.

a lengthy interval

Uses "lengthy" instead of "extensive" and "interval" for "period", highlighting the duration's span.

a protracted time

Replaces "extensive" with "protracted", indicating a drawn-out duration.

a substantial stretch of time

Emphasizes the amount of time with "substantial stretch", making the duration feel significant.

a long spell

Uses "long spell" to suggest a continuous period, differing slightly in tone.

an extended phase

Replaces "period" with "phase", implying a stage or segment that is prolonged.

a significant duration

Focuses on the importance of the length of time.

a drawn-out process

Replaces "period" with "process", applicable when referring to a series of actions over a long duration.

a good while

Uses a more informal tone to indicate a considerable amount of time.

FAQs

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

You can use "an extensive period" to describe a long duration, such as "The research required "an extensive period" of data collection" or "She lived abroad for "an extensive period" of time".

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

You can use alternatives like "a prolonged duration", "a considerable timeframe", or "a lengthy interval" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "an extensive period" or "an intensive period"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have different meanings. "An extensive period" refers to a long duration, while "an intensive period" refers to a time of high activity or focus. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the meaning you intend to convey.

What's the difference between "an extensive period" and "a prolonged period"?

"An extensive period" and "a prolonged period" are very similar in meaning, both indicating a long duration. "Extensive" emphasizes the scope or breadth of the period, while "prolonged" emphasizes its extended nature. The choice between them often depends on stylistic preference.