comprehensive reference work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "comprehensive reference work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a detailed and thorough resource or publication that provides information on a specific subject or a wide range of topics. Example: "The encyclopedia is considered a comprehensive reference work, offering in-depth articles on various subjects."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

A comprehensive reference work for place names.

Yale University

This is a comprehensive reference work of some 1700 entries in two volumes.

Stanford University

This is a comprehensive reference work that provides a guide to scholarship on the perennial problem of free will.

Stanford University

Wikipedia considers itself a comprehensive reference work and thus doesn't censor facts or even warn readers that a spoiler is on the way.

The New York Times

But the inspiration for his current big project -- a comprehensive reference work on Africa and people of African descent -- goes back nearly a century, to W.E.B.

The New York Times - Tech

A glossary, bibliography, visitors' information section and distribution maps make this a comprehensive reference work that will interest visitors, scientists, anyone interested in the flora of arid areas, and even anthropologists.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Russian Grammatical Dictionary The Grammatical Dictionaries project is a set of comprehensive reference works for Slavic and East European languages.

Duke University

The fourth edition of this book is the most comprehensive major reference work on hypertension in children and adolescents.

Springer

This volume is a comprehensive, practical reference work for senior medical students and nurses as well as for the established nephrologist and transplantation surgeon.

Springer

The Oxford International Encyclopedia of Legal History is a comprehensive, international, interdisciplinary reference work that includes approximately 1,000 articles on all aspects of legal history throughout the world.

Harvard University

This comprehensive, ten volume reference work reflects the interdisciplinary influences on evolutionary psychology and serves as a major resource for its history, scientific contributors and theories.

Springer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "comprehensive reference work", ensure the resource truly covers all major aspects of the subject matter to justify the adjective "comprehensive".

Common error

Avoid labeling a resource as a "comprehensive reference work" if it only covers a limited subset of the topic. Ensure it genuinely offers broad and thorough coverage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "comprehensive reference work" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies and describes a resource that offers detailed and extensive information. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

40%

Science

35%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "comprehensive reference work" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase to describe a resource that offers extensive and detailed information. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is correct and appropriate in various contexts. Predominantly found in academic and scientific writing, its purpose is to denote an authoritative and thorough source. When employing this phrase, ensure the resource truly justifies the 'comprehensive' label by covering all major aspects of the subject matter. Alternatives such as "detailed resource" or "encyclopedic volume" can be used depending on the specific context you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encyclopedic volume

Suggests a broad and all-encompassing collection of knowledge, like an encyclopedia.

definitive compendium

Implies that the reference is the final word on the subject, offering a comprehensive overview.

complete handbook

Highlights the practical, hands-on aspect of the reference.

extensive compilation

Emphasizes the assembled nature of the reference, highlighting the collection of information.

detailed resource

Focuses on the level of detail provided by the reference, omitting the comprehensiveness.

exhaustive treatise

Stresses the depth and thoroughness of the work, suitable for academic contexts.

authoritative source

Focuses on the reliability and trustworthiness of the source, rather than its format.

thorough guide

Emphasizes the guiding aspect of the reference rather than its exhaustive nature.

broad overview

Highlights the wide scope of the topic covered, but may not imply exhaustive detail.

in-depth analysis

Concentrates on the analytical aspect, diverging from the broader scope of a reference work.

FAQs

How can I use "comprehensive reference work" in a sentence?

You might say, "The encyclopedia is a "comprehensive reference work" for historical events", or "This manual serves as a "comprehensive reference work" for software developers".

What are some alternatives to "comprehensive reference work"?

Consider using phrases like "detailed resource", "complete handbook", or "encyclopedic volume", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "very comprehensive reference work"?

While not strictly incorrect, adding "very" to "comprehensive reference work" can be redundant. "Comprehensive" already implies a high degree of thoroughness. If you want to emphasize it further, consider using a different adjective like "exhaustive" or "definitive".

What distinguishes a "comprehensive reference work" from a simple guide?

A "comprehensive reference work" aims to cover all significant aspects of a subject in detail, whereas a guide typically provides an overview or specific instructions. A "comprehensive reference work" often includes more in-depth analysis and a broader range of information than a simple guide.