in extent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in extent" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the range, scope, or size of something, often in a formal or academic context. Example: "The project was successful in extent, covering a wide range of topics and engaging numerous stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They're a cubic mile in extent.

The Guardian

Long Island alone is almost 50 feet in extent.

The New York Times

And stylization is audacious, in extent and degree.

The New York Times - Arts

As they have dwindled in extent, many once widespread animals and plants have become endangered.

The Guardian

If we were notable in any way, it was not in kind but in extent.

The New Yorker

Arctic sea ice extent in September falls by 43% in extent against the long-term average.

The Guardian

In Light, we get not one but two love stories, both intense, continental in extent and abrupt in their termination.

The Guardian - Books

Some of these ancient reefs were gigantic in extent — tens of metres high and hundreds of kilometres long.

The New Yorker

We can see Arctic ice cover is declining in extent in summer but is it also thinning?

The Guardian

Each floor was more than 40,000 square feet in extent, covering an area bigger than an acre.

The New York Times

By midnight the conflagration was raging fiercely in a rectangular area some 13, acres in extent and including 17 blocks.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in extent" to add a formal and precise tone when describing the size, scope, or range of something, especially in technical or academic writing. For example, "The study area is vast in extent, covering several ecological zones."

Common error

Avoid using "in extent" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "in size" or "in scope" would be more appropriate. Overusing formal phrases can make your writing sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in extent" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying nouns or clauses by specifying the scope, size, or range of something. It often adds a level of formality and precision to the description, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

27%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the prepositional phrase "in extent" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly in formal and scientific contexts to denote the scope, size, or range of something. According to Ludwig, it functions to provide detailed information and precision to descriptions. While it is considered correct and usable, it's best to avoid using it in casual contexts where simpler alternatives like "in size" or "in scope" might be more suitable. Common sources include The Guardian, The New York Times, and Encyclopedia Britannica, reflecting its prevalence in news, media, and encyclopedic content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in scope

Highlights the range or breadth of something, especially in terms of coverage.

in area

Specifically refers to the surface area covered.

in size

Emphasizes the physical dimensions or scale of an object or area.

in range

Similar to scope, but implies a defined limit or spectrum.

in breadth

Highlights the wideness or comprehensiveness of something.

in magnitude

Focuses on the size or scale of something, often numerical.

in measurement

Focuses on precise quantification of size or scope.

in dimension

Refers to the spatial attributes of an object or space.

in proportion

Indicates a relative size or amount compared to something else.

in degree

Highlights the intensity or level to which something exists.

FAQs

How can I use "in extent" in a sentence?

Use "in extent" to describe the size, scope, or range of something, particularly in formal writing. For example, "The damage was significant "in extent", affecting multiple buildings."

What can I say instead of "in extent"?

You can use alternatives such as "in size", "in scope", or "in range" depending on the specific context. Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance related to the measurement or scope of something.

Is it better to use "in extent" or "in size"?

While both phrases can describe dimensions, "in extent" is generally more formal and suggests a broader or more abstract measurement. "In size" is more commonly used for physical dimensions. Choose the phrase that best fits the tone and context of your writing.

What is the difference between "in extent" and "in magnitude"?

"In extent" usually refers to the physical size or scope of something, whereas "in magnitude" refers to the degree or intensity of something. For example, you might say "The fire was large "in extent"" but "The earthquake was high in magnitude".