extensive search

USAGE SUMMARY

"extensive search" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that a detailed, thorough search for something has been conducted. For example, "The police conducted an extensive search of the area but didn't find any clues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An extensive search was started.

The New York Times

Planets in Stellar Clusters Extensive Search.

Harvard University

Finding the right wholesaler can require an extensive search.

The New York Times

An extensive search and rescue mission is underway.

The Guardian

Rescuers located the wreckage on Sunday after an extensive search.

The New York Times

Both bodies were found after an extensive search.

The New York Times

However, following an extensive search, nothing further was discovered.

Britannica

In July, after an extensive search, we hired Dave's successor.

Harvard Business Review

GovTrack's state legislation offerings have less extensive search capabilities.

Cornell University

User tools include extensive search, viewing and annotating options.

Princeton University

An extensive search at the scene did not find the body of the second polar explorer.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "extensive search", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being searched for. Providing specific details about the subject of the search enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "extensive search" if the search was limited in scope or resources. Overstating the effort can undermine credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extensive search" functions as a noun phrase where "extensive" modifies the noun "search", describing the scope and depth of the search. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "extensive search" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a thorough and comprehensive investigation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's readily usable in various contexts, primarily in News & Media, Academia, and Science. Alternatives like "wide search", "thorough search", and "comprehensive search" offer similar meanings. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context clearly identifies the subject of the search and avoid overstating its extent. In summary, "extensive search" is a valuable expression for conveying a detailed and broad scope of searching, well-supported by authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wide search

Replaces "extensive" with "wide", emphasizing the breadth of the search.

thorough search

Substitutes "extensive" with "thorough", highlighting the depth and meticulousness of the search.

comprehensive search

Uses "comprehensive" instead of "extensive", stressing the all-inclusive nature of the search.

in-depth search

Replaces "extensive" with "in-depth", focusing on the detailed and profound aspect of the search.

exhaustive search

Employs "exhaustive" in place of "extensive", underscoring the completeness and thoroughness of the search.

detailed investigation

Changes the structure to emphasize the investigative aspect, using "detailed" to describe the investigation.

wide-ranging inquiry

Replaces "search" with "inquiry" and "extensive" with "wide-ranging", broadening the scope and formalizing the term.

far-reaching exploration

Uses "exploration" instead of "search" and "far-reaching" for "extensive", suggesting a broad and ambitious investigation.

systematic review

Implies a structured and methodical search process, common in academic and scientific contexts.

meticulous examination

Emphasizes careful and precise scrutiny, shifting focus from searching to detailed analysis.

FAQs

What does "extensive search" mean?

An "extensive search" refers to a thorough and comprehensive investigation or exploration conducted to find something. It implies a detailed and broad scope of searching.

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

You can use "extensive search" to describe a detailed investigation, like "The police conducted an "extensive search" of the neighborhood" or "After an "extensive search", they found the missing document".

What can I say instead of "extensive search"?

You can use alternatives like "wide search", "thorough search", or "comprehensive search" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "extensive search" or "detailed search"?

Both "extensive search" and "detailed search" are correct, but "extensive search" emphasizes the breadth of the search, while "detailed search" highlights the level of scrutiny involved. Choose the one that best fits the context.