made extensive use of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "made extensive use of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something has been utilized or employed in a significant or thorough manner. Example: "The researchers made extensive use of various statistical methods to analyze the data collected during the study."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

The conspiracy made extensive use of banks in the United States.

The New York Times

But overt criticism was still taboo, so the fifth generation made extensive use of allegory.

The Economist

For much of his life Mr. Polke made extensive use of recreational drugs.

The New York Times - Arts

His naturalistic panel paintings, mostly portraits and religious subjects, made extensive use of disguised religious symbols.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He made extensive use of the world-class structures laboratories which he had designed and equipped a half century earlier.

The Guardian - Tech

He made extensive use of laser prints and photocopying machines, the latter in a series of artist's books.

The New York Times - Arts

But today's revelations show many European multinationals in non-digital industries have also made extensive use of tax engineering.

The Guardian - Business

I took the cable car down to base camp and made extensive use of the duty-free shopping facilities.

The Guardian - Travel

In jewelry the Sumerians made extensive use of three materials, all imported: red carnelian, blue lapis lazuli and gold.

The New York Times - Arts

Blackwater contractors in Iraq, subsequent statements to various courts asserted, held cocaine-fueled parties and made extensive use of steroids.

The Guardian

Guardi made extensive use of engravings of works by Canaletto and Michele Marieschi as a basis for his paintings.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing research methodologies, use "made extensive use of" to highlight the significant application of specific techniques or resources. This adds clarity and emphasizes the thoroughness of the approach.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences that obscure the actor. Instead of "Extensive use was made of X", prefer "The researchers made extensive use of X" to maintain clarity and directness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made extensive use of" functions as a verb phrase that describes the action of using something in a comprehensive or widespread manner. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

33%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Huffington Post

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "made extensive use of" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase that indicates the thorough utilization of something. Ludwig confirms its correctness and broad applicability across various contexts. It is particularly common in News & Media and Science. While there are alternative ways to express the same idea, such as ""utilized considerably"" or ""employed substantially"", "made extensive use of" remains a clear and effective choice for conveying the depth of usage. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by using active voice and avoiding constructions that obscure the actor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utilized considerably

Emphasizes the act of using something in a way that's noteworthy or substantial; shifts focus slightly from 'extensive' to 'considerable'.

employed substantially

Highlights the act of putting something into service in a significant manner; changes 'use' to 'employ' and 'extensive' to 'substantial'.

capitalized heavily on

Suggests taking significant advantage of something; implies a more opportunistic or strategic use.

leveraged significantly

Implies using something to its maximum potential to achieve a particular outcome; common in business contexts.

maximized the application of

Focuses on using something to its fullest extent or capacity; changes the structure to emphasize maximization.

harnessed comprehensively

Suggests bringing something under control and using it thoroughly; implies a more managed or directed approach.

exploited thoroughly

Suggests using something to its advantage, potentially implying a more exhaustive or resourceful approach; can sometimes carry a negative connotation.

applied broadly

Focuses on the wide-ranging nature of the application; changes 'extensive use' to 'broad application'.

drawn heavily upon

Indicates a strong reliance on something for support or information; changes the structure to emphasize dependence.

relied extensively on

Emphasizes the dependence on something; changes the verb from 'make use' to 'rely'.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "made extensive use of" in a sentence?

Consider alternatives like "utilized considerably", "employed substantially", or "leveraged significantly" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "made extensive use of" or "used extensively"?

Both phrases are correct. "Made extensive use of" often highlights the breadth and thoroughness of the usage. "Used extensively" is more concise and focuses on the frequency or degree of use. The choice depends on the desired emphasis.

What's the difference between "made extensive use of" and "made full use of"?

"Made extensive use of" implies a significant degree of utilization, whereas "made full use of" suggests that something was used to its complete potential. The former focuses on the quantity or scope of use, while the latter emphasizes maximizing the benefit or capability.

Can "made extensive use of" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "made extensive use of" is suitable for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to describe the thorough utilization of resources, methods, or technologies. However, consider whether a more concise alternative like ""utilized considerably"" might be more effective.