extensively

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "extensively" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the degree or amount of something. For example, "The research team conducted extensive tests before arriving at a specific conclusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He expects to draw extensively on his previous role as chief executive of 3SC, which manages bids and delivery consortia for large public sector contracts.

The Guardian

11.30am: This excellent post by Michael Wilkerson, a journalist who has worked extensively in Uganda, starts busting some of the myths around Kony and the situation in Uganda.

The Guardian

Dimbleby quoted extensively from a section of the guidelines on the use of still photographs and images which said: "Due care and consideration must be made regarding the use of religious symbols in images which may cause offence.

The Guardian

Ofcom said this matter was covered extensively in previous PSB reviews.

The Guardian

No one doubted that on the training pitch, as a tactician with an in-depth and extensively researched knowledge of the women's game, Powell was excellent.

The Guardian - Sport

The hotel opened a decade ago, and then was extensively refitted out in 1999.

The Guardian - Travel

The Irish Times columnist is a respected author who has written extensively about the banking collapse.

The Guardian - Business

He also travelled extensively elsewhere in Europe, using a fake passport to enter 22 different countries.

The Guardian

Although junkets are a legal business enterprise, organised crime has extensively infiltrated them, according to a 2003 investigative report on the triads commissioned by the Las Vegas Sands and obtained by the IRP.

The Guardian

The original statements released by the ruling Worker's Party of Korea covered everything from green-fingered encouragement: "Let us turn ours into a country of mushrooms!" and "Grow vegetables extensively in greenhouses!", to orders to celebrate the legacy of the Kim dynasty.

The Guardian

Pilkington, who has written extensively on young people and the far right, said young people had been hit particularly hard in the downturn and it was very easy for valid economic concerns, over issues such as housing and jobs, to spill over into antipathy towards immigrant communities and foreigners.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "extensively" to emphasize the wide scope, reach, or degree of an action or activity. It's most effective when highlighting the comprehensive nature of something, like research, travel, or coverage.

Common error

Avoid using "extensively" when a simpler adverb like "much" or "often" would suffice. "Extensively" implies a broad scope; using it in contexts where the action is limited can sound unnatural and inflated.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "extensively" is to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, indicating the degree or scope to which an action is performed or a quality is present. As Ludwig AI confirms, it emphasizes the extent or comprehensiveness of the action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adverb "extensively" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed term, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to emphasize the broad reach or comprehensive nature of an action or quality. Primarily found in news and media contexts, it also appears in formal business and scientific writing. While versatile, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding unnatural in contexts where a simpler term would suffice. Alternatives like "widely" or "thoroughly" can sometimes provide a more nuanced meaning. The widespread use of "extensively" across reputable sources underscores its reliability and appropriateness in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extensively researched

Specifically refers to research activities, emphasizing the depth and breadth of the investigation.

widely

Focuses on the breadth of reach or application rather than the depth or intensity of involvement.

thoroughly

Implies a comprehensive and detailed approach, often related to analysis or investigation.

comprehensively

Similar to "thoroughly", emphasizing completeness and inclusivity in scope.

broadly

Indicates a general and wide-ranging scope, without necessarily implying deep involvement.

in detail

Emphasizes a focus on specific elements and thorough examination.

on a large scale

Highlights the magnitude or size of an operation or activity.

in depth

Signifies a detailed and profound level of exploration or understanding.

to a great extent

Highlights the magnitude or degree to which something happens.

substantially

Refers to a considerable amount or degree, indicating a significant impact.

FAQs

How can I use "extensively" in a sentence?

Use "extensively" to describe actions performed in a widespread or comprehensive manner. For example, "The topic was "covered extensively" in the media" or "He has "traveled extensively" throughout Europe".

What are some alternatives to "extensively"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "extensively" with alternatives like "widely", "thoroughly", or "comprehensively".

When is it appropriate to use "extensively"?

Use "extensively" when you want to emphasize the degree or scope of an action or the thoroughness of an investigation. It's suitable for formal writing and situations where precision is important.

Is "extensively" interchangeable with "intensively"?

While both adverbs denote a high degree, "extensively" refers to the breadth or scope, whereas "intensively" refers to the concentration or depth. Something can be "extensively researched" (broadly covered) or "intensively studied" (closely examined).