comprehensive boy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "comprehensive boy" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to describe a boy who is knowledgeable or well-rounded, but the combination of words is unusual and lacks context. Example: "The comprehensive boy impressed everyone with his vast knowledge on various subjects."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

A comprehensive boy.

The Guardian - Books

No. I'm a comprehensive boy; the Buller wasn't for the likes of me.

The Guardian - Film

Likewise, when Lord Lloyd Webber next needs a talented young boy to play Gavroche in his Les Misérables, someone should point him in the direction of Sandbach School – a comprehensive boy's school with their own touring theatre group.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Labour is led by the privately-educated Mr Blair; the Tories by a comprehensive-school boy, William Hague (who, yes, went to Magdalen College, Oxford).

The Economist

There's no use blaming the police; it's the parents, stupid...A friend who works in an inner-London comprehensive with boys twice her size is not allowed to send them to the headmaster.

The Economist

My son – in Year 8 at a large boys comprehensive – has a compacted Key Stage 3, squeezing everything into Years 7 and 8 and beginning GCSE courses in Year 9.

The Guardian - Opinion

He attended Rokeby comprehensive school for boys in Stratford, and remained proud of his working-class roots.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Derek Greenup, the head of William Parker sports college, a boys' comprehensive in Hastings, East Sussex, says it's crucial for pupils and teachers to have time to socialise and unwind.

The Guardian

Born in Morecambe, in Lancashire, Smith is the son of a Welsh historian, Prof Dai Smith, and was educated at Barry boys' comprehensive school in south Wales.

The Guardian

I went to an all-boys comprehensive, a school where academic achievement was viewed with suspicion and where girls, with their civilising influence and nicer smells, were absent altogether.

The Guardian

Hull's secondary-education system has been accused of many failings but, at least in the all-boys' comprehensive I attended, it succeeded spectacularly on one count: breeding in its teenage charges an obsession with any artistic material of an unwholesome nature.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to describe a boy with wide-ranging knowledge or abilities, consider using more common and readily understood phrases such as "well-rounded boy" or "knowledgeable boy" instead of "comprehensive boy" to ensure clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "comprehensive" as a general descriptor for a person. While "comprehensive" means complete or thorough, it's more appropriate for describing things like reports, studies, or systems, rather than individuals. Using it to describe a person can sound awkward or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "comprehensive boy" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "comprehensive" modifies the noun "boy". However, its usage is not standard and can sound unusual to native English speakers. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "comprehensive boy" is a grammatically questionable and uncommon expression. While it might be intended to describe a boy with a broad range of knowledge or skills, it is not a standard English construction. Ludwig AI classifies it as incorrect and suggests using alternatives like "well-rounded boy" or "knowledgeable boy" for clarity. Although examples can be found in some news and media contexts, it remains a rare phrase. When aiming for precision and clarity, it's advisable to opt for more conventional and readily understood expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well-rounded boy

Focuses on the boy having a variety of skills and experiences.

knowledgeable boy

Emphasizes the boy's extensive knowledge and understanding.

accomplished boy

Highlights the boy's achievements and successes.

all-around boy

Similar to well-rounded, but perhaps with a stronger emphasis on athletic ability.

competent boy

Highlights the boy's abilities and proficiency in various areas.

skilled boy

Focuses specifically on the boy's skills and talents.

erudite boy

Emphasizes the boy's deep learning and scholarly knowledge.

capable boy

Highlights the boy's ability to handle different tasks and responsibilities.

informed boy

Focuses on the boy's access to information and awareness of current events.

resourceful boy

Emphasizes the boy's ability to find solutions and make the most of available resources.

FAQs

What does "comprehensive" usually describe?

"Comprehensive" typically describes things that are thorough, complete, or all-inclusive, such as a "comprehensive" study or a "comprehensive" insurance policy. It's less commonly used to describe people.

What can I say instead of "comprehensive boy"?

Consider using alternatives like "well-rounded boy", "knowledgeable boy", or "accomplished boy" to more effectively convey the intended meaning.

Is "comprehensive boy" grammatically correct?

While not strictly ungrammatical, "comprehensive boy" is an unusual and less idiomatic phrasing. It's unlikely to be the most effective or natural way to express the idea of a boy with broad knowledge or abilities.

How can I use "comprehensive" correctly when describing a person?

Instead of directly describing the person as "comprehensive", focus on the aspect of their knowledge or skills. For instance, you could say "He has a "comprehensive" understanding of the subject".