extensive survey

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extensive survey" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It typically refers to a thorough and comprehensive examination or investigation that covers a wide range of areas or topics. Example: The company conducted an extensive survey of their customers' satisfaction levels in order to identify areas for improvement.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They mailed every bishop an extensive survey asking for information about abusive priests in their diocese.

The New York Times

Its first extensive survey should appeal to rock hounds and the art-fixated alike.

The New York Times - Arts

In May and early June an extensive survey was conducted of some 20 possible candidates.

The New York Times - Magazine

The report was based on an extensive survey, the results of which were previously deemed a state secret.

The Guardian

A fifth of China's farmland is polluted, according to an offical report based on the results of an extensive survey.

The Guardian

It hired McKinsey & Company and RAND to review marketing practices and conduct an extensive survey of potential recruits.

The New York Times

To determine a basis for comparison, the city conducted an extensive survey of Midtown traffic and pedestrian patterns in March and April.

The New York Times

In an extensive survey, economists Felipe Campante and David Yanagizawa-Drott show that Ramadan fasting has a significant negative effect on output growth in Muslim countries.

The Guardian - Business

Yet the last time an extensive survey was carried out among Syrian refugees in Lebanon, only 37% of non-pregnant married women were using contraception (pdf).

The Guardian

(Disclosure: I contributed an essay to Fairey's 2006 book, "Obey: Supply & Demand," an extensive survey of that project and of his career so far).

The New York Times - Magazine

By then, he'd already written four novels, one of which, Rabbit, Run (1960), became the foundation-instalment for his most extensive survey of his times.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "extensive survey", ensure that the scope and methodology of the survey are clearly defined to reinforce its credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "extensive survey" if the survey was limited in scope or sample size, as this can mislead readers about the depth and breadth of the investigation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extensive survey" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig shows its use in various contexts, from news reports to scientific papers.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

55%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "extensive survey" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a thorough and comprehensive investigation. Ludwig highlights its usage across diverse domains, particularly in news, media, and science. The phrase functions as a noun phrase and conveys the broad scope and depth of a study. It is advisable to ensure the survey's scope is clearly defined to maintain credibility and avoid overstating its reach. Consider alternatives such as "comprehensive study" or "detailed analysis" to best fit the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comprehensive study

Focuses on the thoroughness and completeness of the investigation.

thorough investigation

Emphasizes the detailed and meticulous nature of the inquiry.

detailed analysis

Highlights the in-depth examination of the data or subject matter.

wide-ranging study

Stresses the broad scope and coverage of the research.

in-depth assessment

Highlights the depth and thoroughness of the evaluation.

exhaustive review

Emphasizes the comprehensiveness and completeness of the review process.

large-scale analysis

Indicates the considerable size and scope of the analytical effort.

far-reaching research

Suggests that the research has broad implications or impact.

complete examination

Focuses on the exhaustive nature of the inspection.

systematic inquiry

Highlights the structured and methodical approach of the investigation.

FAQs

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

You can use "extensive survey" to describe a thorough investigation, for example: "The researchers conducted an "extensive survey" to understand public opinion on climate change."

What are some alternatives to "extensive survey"?

Alternatives include "comprehensive study", "thorough investigation", or "detailed analysis", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "extensive survey" or "exhaustive survey"?

Both are valid, but "extensive survey" emphasizes breadth and wide scope, while an "exhaustive survey" suggests that all possible aspects were investigated.

What distinguishes an "extensive survey" from a simple poll?

An "extensive survey" involves a more detailed and comprehensive investigation compared to a simple poll, which typically focuses on gathering limited opinions or data points.