how extensive

USAGE SUMMARY

"how extensive" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to ask about the extent or degree to which something is true or how much of something there is. For example, you could say "How extensive is the damage to the car?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How extensive?

The New York Times - Arts

How extensive were his operations?

The New York Times

How extensive are these problems?

University of California, Berkeley

How extensive is this terror network?

The New York Times

How extensive was the Maya civilization?

The New York Times

They exist to show how extensive a company's range is.

The Guardian - Travel

It was unclear today how extensive the boycott would be.

The New York Times

And it shows how extensive the trade routes were".

The New York Times

The question is how extensive the conviction will be.

The Guardian

How extensive of a problem do you believe it is?

The New York Times

It's unclear, though, how extensive these losses were.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "how extensive" to inquire about the scope, size, or degree of something, particularly when seeking a comprehensive understanding of its reach or impact.

Common error

Avoid using "how extensive" when a simpler question like "how big" or "how much" would suffice. "How extensive" is best suited for situations where you need to convey a sense of thoroughness or broad scope.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how extensive" functions as an interrogative phrase used to inquire about the degree, scope, or range of something. Ludwig shows numerous examples in which the phrase prompts further clarification on the comprehensiveness or impact of a particular subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "how extensive" is a versatile phrase used to inquire about the degree, scope, or range of something. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently employed across various contexts, including news, academic, and scientific writing. While it's suitable for formal settings, it remains accessible for everyday conversation. When using "how extensive", ensure that you are genuinely seeking a comprehensive understanding of the subject's reach or impact, rather than simply asking for a basic measurement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how widespread

Focuses more on the distribution or commonality rather than the overall size or impact.

how broad

Emphasizes the range or scope of something, similar to "how extensive".

how large

Directly refers to the size or quantity of something.

how massive

Implies a great size or scale, often with an emphasis on impact.

how far-reaching

Highlights the impact or consequences that extend over a large area or affect many people.

to what extent

A more formal way of inquiring about the degree or scope.

how considerable

Indicates a significant amount or degree.

how significant

Stresses the importance or consequence of the extent.

how comprehensive

Refers to the completeness and thoroughness of something, not just its size.

what is the magnitude

Asks directly about the size or scale, often used in scientific or technical contexts.

FAQs

What does "how extensive" mean?

The phrase "how extensive" refers to the degree, scope, or range of something. It asks about the comprehensiveness or reach of a particular situation, activity, or impact.

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

You can use "how extensive" to inquire about the scope or size of something. For example, "How widespread is the damage from the storm?" or "To what extent will the new policy affect our operations?"

Which phrases are similar to "how extensive"?

Similar phrases include "how broad", "how far-reaching", and "what is the magnitude", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "how extensive" or "how much"?

Use "how extensive" when you are interested in the scope, range, or comprehensiveness of something. Use "how much" when you are interested in the quantity or amount. For example, "How much damage was caused?" versus "How far reaching were the consequences of the decision?"