an extensive reading

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an extensive reading" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a large amount of reading material or a thorough reading of texts, often in an academic or educational context. Example: "For this course, students are expected to engage in an extensive reading of the assigned literature to fully understand the themes and concepts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Primed by an extensive reading list, the group peppered their leader with questions, all of which he fielded expertly: How fast could a rifleman fire?

The New York Times - Books

The Scottish Enlightenment arose partly because there emerged an extensive reading public among all classes of society; Burns, the son of a poor farmer, who had a better education and read more widely than many English gentlemen, was, in that respect, not exceptional.

The Guardian - Books

No doubt from an extensive reading of the scientific literature.

Huffington Post

He often went alone, without an organized congressional delegation, and incorporated an extensive reading of world news into his morning routine.

Huffington Post

Anti-racist educator Tim Wise, for example, has an extensive reading list available on his website.[9].

WikiHow

An extensive reading note, with examples, and a problem case, based on a patient's chart data, were created and made available to students before the class session.

BMC Medical Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Reagan's principles were developed over decades and fortified by a selective but extensive reading of history.

The New York Times - Magazine

In his essay "First Steps Toward a History of Reading," Robert Darnton describes a switch from "intensive" to "extensive" reading that occurred as printed books began to proliferate.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is never too late to help pupils struggling to read say the authors of a new report into extensive reading interventions.

The Guardian

Its vibrant 4.5-inch screen (800 by 480 resolution) looks great for photos, with nicely saturated colors and true blacks; it's a bit dim for extensive reading of e-mail and e-books, however.

The New York Times - Tech

After the 1570's, Montaigne no longer read Sextus; additions show, however, that he took up a more and more extensive reading of Cicero's philosophical writings.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an extensive reading", ensure the context clearly indicates the purpose or benefit of engaging with a large volume of material. For example, specify that it aids in research, fosters deeper understanding, or supports critical analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "an extensive reading" when a more concise or focused approach would be more effective. While breadth can be valuable, depth and relevance are often more critical for comprehension and application.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an extensive reading" functions as a noun phrase, where "extensive" modifies the noun "reading". Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing the scope and depth of reading undertaken for various purposes, indicating a thorough and wide-ranging engagement with texts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

18%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an extensive reading" is a grammatically correct phrase that describes a large amount of reading. According to Ludwig, it is frequently used in news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts. While not extremely common, it effectively conveys the scope and depth of reading undertaken, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. When using this phrase, ensure that the purpose and benefit of engaging with a large volume of material are clearly stated, avoiding its use when a more concise or focused approach would be more appropriate. Consider synonyms like "a comprehensive reading" or "a thorough reading" depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comprehensive reading

This phrase emphasizes the completeness and thoroughness of the reading.

a broad reading

This suggests reading material covering a wide range of topics.

in-depth reading

Focuses on the level of detail and analysis involved in the reading.

wide-ranging reading

Similar to "a broad reading", highlighting the variety of sources.

thorough reading

Emphasizes the care and attention given to the reading process.

substantial reading

Implies a large quantity of reading material.

considerable reading

Similar to "substantial reading", indicating a significant amount.

detailed reading

Highlights the level of scrutiny and focus on specifics.

careful reading

Stresses the attentiveness and precision of the reading.

scholarly reading

Implies reading material that is academic and research-oriented.

FAQs

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

You can use "an extensive reading" to describe a process of reading a large amount of material on a particular subject. For example, "The researcher conducted "an extensive reading" of historical documents to prepare for the study."

What are some alternatives to "an extensive reading"?

Some alternatives include "a comprehensive reading", "a thorough reading", or "a broad reading", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "extensive reading" or "intensive reading"?

"Extensive reading" refers to reading a large quantity of material, often for pleasure or general understanding. "Intensive reading", on the other hand, involves a detailed and focused analysis of a smaller amount of text.

Is it better to do an extensive reading or a focused analysis?

The best approach depends on your goals. An "extensive reading" can provide a broad overview, while a focused analysis allows for deeper understanding of specific details and arguments.