extensive groundwork

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extensive groundwork" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to thorough preparation or foundational work done before a project or task begins. Example: "Before launching the new product, the team conducted extensive groundwork to ensure its success in the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

So I do extensive groundwork gleaning everything I can about business mores and corporate culture in the place I'm about to work.

The New York Times

Despite the free availability of at least optical image data at highest resolution, research has shown that remote sensing analysis always remains inconclusive and extensive groundwork is needed for the confirmation of the impact origin of such structures.

Earth, Planets and Space

The downside to that sudden growth is that there hasn't been extensive groundwork for recruiting and electing Democrats, Mitchell said, unlike places such as Orange County or the Sacramento suburbs where Democrats have been fighting to make gains for years.  .

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Two weeks ago the Peace Now Settlement Watch team reported extensive groundworks in many settlements, and since then we have found more and more places where there is new construction.

Huffington Post

The Green Berets were one element of an accelerating security arrangement in which the two nations were laying the groundwork for more extensive military cooperation.

The New York Times

Thankfully, our forefathers had the foresight to preserve our environmental treasures by laying the groundwork for an extensive national park system that continues to expand today.

Huffington Post

In summary, this is an important study that provides groundwork for more extensive research.

Current Psychiatry Reports

Therefore, colonies formed from explanting single embryo cells should be characterised in more detail utilizing additional markers of naïve pluripotency, such as those shown in Figure 5. On the whole, this is a very interesting and well-presented study providing the groundwork for more extensive characterization of the putative naïve state in avian embryos.

eLife

This study will provide initial groundwork for future, more extensive investigations.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Self Regard is the groundwork of the encompassing identity improvement.

WikiHow

While these studies laid the groundwork for generating utilization pathways with titratable responses, they called for extensive genetic manipulations (i.e., plasmid-based expression of a transporter, disruption of multiple genetic loci) that may be difficult to achieve in nonmodel organisms and may not reflect ideal configurations for titratable control.

ACS Synthetic Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "extensive groundwork", ensure it's followed by a clear explanation of what that groundwork entailed. For example, specify the research, planning, or preparations involved to give the phrase more impact and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "extensive groundwork" if the actual preparation was minimal or superficial. Ensure the level of preparation truly justifies the use of "extensive groundwork" to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extensive groundwork" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "extensive" modifies the noun "groundwork". It signifies the action of laying a thorough and comprehensive foundation before undertaking a specific task. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extensive groundwork" refers to the comprehensive preparation or foundational work carried out before a project or task. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and acceptable in written English. While its frequency is relatively rare, it appears in reputable sources, including news outlets and scientific journals. The phrase is most suited to neutral or professional contexts, emphasizing thoroughness and attention to detail. When using it, ensure the level of preparation truly warrants the description as "extensive". Alternatives such as "thorough preparation" or "comprehensive planning" may be suitable depending on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thorough preparation

Focuses on the completeness and meticulousness of the preparation, emphasizing the attention to detail.

comprehensive preparation

Highlights the breadth and scope of the preparation, suggesting that all aspects have been considered.

detailed preparatory work

Emphasizes the level of detail and the nature of the work done in preparation.

elaborate foundation

Focuses on the complexity and thoroughness of the foundation laid.

thorough investigation

Emphasizes the in-depth and careful nature of the preliminary research.

careful preliminary work

Highlights the attention and caution taken during the initial stages.

substantial preliminary research

Stresses the significance and depth of the research undertaken.

rigorous preliminary analysis

Highlights the strictness and precision of the initial analysis.

in-depth background study

Focuses on the depth and comprehensiveness of the background research.

meticulous upfront planning

Emphasizes the precision and care taken in the initial planning stages.

FAQs

What does "extensive groundwork" mean?

"Extensive groundwork" refers to thorough and comprehensive preparation or foundational work done before starting a project, task, or venture. It implies a significant investment of time and effort in understanding the context and laying the necessary foundation for success.

How can I use "extensive groundwork" in a sentence?

You might say, "The success of the project relied on the "extensive groundwork" conducted in the initial planning phases" or "Before launching the campaign, the team performed "extensive groundwork" to understand the target audience."

What are some alternatives to "extensive groundwork"?

Some alternatives include "thorough preparation", "comprehensive planning", "detailed preparatory work", or "substantial preliminary research". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "extensive groundwork" formal or informal language?

"Extensive groundwork" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more commonly used in professional or academic settings where detailed preparation is expected and valued. However, consider the audience when choosing this phrase; in very informal settings, simpler terms might be more appropriate.