extensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "extensive" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that covers a wide area or has many parts or details. For example: "The extensive research conducted by the team provides a comprehensive understanding of the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

While serious independent journalism remains nearly impossible in Iran, the bureau is able to provide original reporting through its extensive list of contacts both inside and outside the republic, and to bring the voices of ordinary people to an international audience.

The Guardian

So extensive are the festivities that some people visit as many as seven or eight families a day.

The Guardian

However, the Nobel committee's citation said the prize was a more general one, to mark "its extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons" and nudge the few remaining nations that had not yet signed up to the organisation.

The Guardian

It would be hard to argue that compared to other central and eastern European post-communist countries, united Germany failed to establish justice for victims of the GDR: lustration and purges were comparatively intensive and extensive, without deteriorating into the kind of witch-hunts that Poland experienced a few years back.

The Guardian - Opinion

Calle Sevilla 6, barbadillo.com, tours 11am (English), noon and 1pm (Spanish), €6pp Windsurfing, kite surfing, and surfing, Tarifa The heady combination of strong winds, warm winters and extensive sandy beaches have established Tarifa as a top destination for year-round wet fun.

The Guardian - Travel

"Over the weekend we ran over 1,300 services across our extensive network.

The Guardian

"News will continue to invest in our extensive suite of print and digital products, which are purchased and read by millions of Australians every day".

The Guardian

In short, we were able to offer full and extensive care packages, making a real difference to people's lives.

The Guardian

Blazer is now receiving treatment in a New York hospital, where he is recovering from extensive treatment for colon cancer.

The Guardian - Sport

His extensive filmography includes the cult movies, Mad Dog Morgan, The Return of Captain Invincible and Howling II.

The Guardian - Film

By contrast, the so-called "balance of competences" review – hailed by William Hague in 2012 as the "most extensive analysis of the impact of UK membership of the EU ever undertaken" – found no area with a case for transferring powers back from Brussels.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "extensive" to describe something that covers a large area, includes many details, or has a significant impact. For example, "extensive research" or "extensive knowledge".

Common error

Avoid using "extensive" when a simpler adjective like "large", "wide", or "thorough" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The word "extensive" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a large scope, range, or degree. It is commonly used to describe something that covers a wide area or includes many details, as seen in Ludwig's examples of "extensive treatment" and "extensive network".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extensive" functions as an adjective used to describe the scope or degree of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for describing broad coverage or numerous details. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts and carries a neutral to formal tone. While highly versatile, it is important to avoid overuse and consider simpler alternatives when appropriate. Using "extensive" correctly will enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comprehensive

Emphasizes completeness and thoroughness.

exhaustive

Implies a thorough and complete investigation or coverage.

wide-ranging

Focuses on the breadth of coverage or influence.

widespread

Focuses on the broad distribution or prevalence.

far-reaching

Highlights the significant impact or consequences.

large-scale

Stresses the magnitude or size.

considerable

Highlights the significant amount or degree.

broad

Indicates a general and wide scope.

in-depth

Highlights a thorough and detailed examination.

all-inclusive

Emphasizes that everything is included.

FAQs

How can I use "extensive" in a sentence?

"Extensive" is typically used to describe something that covers a large area, is detailed, or far-reaching. For example, "The library has an "extensive collection" of books" or "The company conducted an "extensive review" of its policies".

What are some alternatives to "extensive"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "comprehensive", "wide-ranging", "thorough", or "large-scale".

Is it better to use "extensive" or "intensive"?

"Extensive" refers to something that covers a large area or range, while "intensive" refers to something that is concentrated or focused. Use "extensive" to describe scope and "intensive" to describe effort or focus. Therefore, saying "intensive study" rather than "extensive study".

What's the difference between "extensive" and "broad"?

"Extensive" implies a great amount of detail or coverage, while "broad" suggests a wide scope but not necessarily with the same level of detail. An "extensive report" would include many details, whereas a "broad overview" would cover many topics but in less detail.