surveys

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "surveys" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of collecting data or opinions from a group of people, typically through questionnaires or interviews. Example: "The company conducted surveys to gather feedback on customer satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Whether or not the EPA's own surveys can be trusted, the move by Republicans to denounce water regulation and pitch it as the enemy of the foundational American ideal of private property might not be a slam-dunk for the American right – even among their core supporters.

The Guardian

Harrison on Tuesday claimed Whitbread's 40,000 staff were among the most satisfied on the high street and in the hotel industry, with recent workforce surveys suggesting "employee engagement" was at record levels.

The Guardian - Business

This is borne out by other studies and surveys which show that prolonged poor posture can have consequences.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Plans were announced to replace its 150 researchers, statisticians and analysts with "robopolling" and online surveys.

The Guardian

If technology has undermined the established ways in which political surveys can reach a representative mix of the citizenry, it should in time provide a sufficiently ingenious pollster with new ways to do just that.

The Guardian - Opinion

Polls are certainly not the only surveys on which politicians and the media place heavy reliance.

The Guardian - Opinion

He pointed me to a scientific paper published in 2011 in the journal Surveys in Geophysics showing that in fact, tide gauges record that sea level has been rising at about 2.8mm per year since the early 90s, not the 1mm claimed by Carter and Harris.

The Guardian

"Come the zombie apocalypse, we'll be OK," declares Siobhan McSweeney as she surveys a pile of toilet rolls big enough to supply a small village.

The Guardian

The final opinion polls – released on Friday ahead of a four-day moratorium on publishing surveys of voter intentions – put the centre-left Zionist Union, headed by opposition leader Yitzhak Herzog and former peace negotiator Tzipi Livni, ahead with 25 to 26 seats, and Netanyahu's Likud taking 20 to 22 in the 120-seat Knesset.

The Guardian

At this rate, Barclays risks being deeper into the untrusted category in those all-important surveys.

The Guardian - Business

The chief executive has set the bank a target to be more trusted than not in surveys by 2018.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "surveys", specify the target population and sample size to enhance credibility.

Common error

Don't just say "surveys show"; instead, cite the specific survey and its source to provide context and authority.

Linguistic Context

The term "surveys" primarily functions as a plural noun, often referring to a systematic method for gathering information from a sample of individuals. Ludwig's examples demonstrate this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "surveys" is a common and grammatically correct plural noun used to describe a method of gathering information from a sample of individuals. As Ludwig AI indicates, it appears frequently in various contexts, including news media, business, and scientific research. While the register is typically neutral to formal, specifying the source and methodology enhances credibility. When referring to "surveys", consider alternative phrases like "questionnaires", "polls", or "market research" depending on the specific context. The high frequency and widespread use of "surveys" demonstrate its importance in data collection and analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

questionnaires

Refers specifically to the written instruments used for gathering data.

opinion polls

Focuses specifically on public opinion data collection.

market research

Emphasizes the commercial aspect of data gathering.

data collection

Highlights the general process of gathering information.

studies

Encompasses a broader range of research methodologies, not just questionnaires.

investigations

Implies a more in-depth and formal inquiry.

assessments

Suggests an evaluation or appraisal process.

canvassing

Related to polling to gather information and support, often in political contexts.

reviews

Implies a critical evaluation or examination of existing data or information.

statistical analyses

Focuses on the analytical aspect of data processing after surveys are conducted.

FAQs

How do I properly cite "surveys" in academic writing?

Always include the survey's title, author or sponsoring organization, publication date, and methodology. If available, provide a direct link to the survey report or data.

What are some alternatives to the word "surveys"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "questionnaires", "polls", or "market research".

How reliable are "surveys" as a source of information?

The reliability of "surveys" depends on the methodology used, the sample size, and the potential for bias. Always evaluate the source and methodology critically before drawing conclusions.

What's the difference between "surveys" and "census"?

"Surveys" typically involve a sample of a population, while a "census" aims to collect data from the entire population. Censuses are more comprehensive but also more resource-intensive.