the most extensive

USAGE SUMMARY

"the most extensive" is a grammatically correct phrase in written English.
It is used to describe something that is the largest in terms of size, range, or coverage. Example: "The company's new marketing campaign was the most extensive one they had ever launched, covering all major media platforms and targeting audiences worldwide."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The most extensive of these manoeuvres was Nato's Anaconda-2016.

The Guardian - Opinion

Of these the most extensive are the trade winds.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He guided the most extensive relief and recovery effort ever.

The New York Times

The controller makes the most extensive use of filters.

Control System Design Guide A Practical Guide

The Snowmass Wellness Experience, in Snowmass Village, Colo., has the most extensive list of alfresco activities.

The New York Times - Travel

The society has the most extensive coin collection in North America.

The New York Times - Arts

2. Seoul has built the most extensive subway system in the world.

The Guardian

Environmentalists have praised the Clinton rule as the most extensive land-conservation act in decades.

The New York Times

The site with the most extensive information on Americans playing overseas is Soccerspot.com.

The New York Times - Tech

Of the seven, Portland's collections are the most extensive, if not the most wide ranging.

The New York Times - Arts

By Alec Wilkinson Gordon Bell's personal archive is the most extensive of its kind.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the most extensive", ensure that the context clearly defines what is being measured for extensiveness, such as range, size, or duration.

Common error

Avoid using "the most extensive" without specifying what aspect is most extensive. For instance, instead of saying "the most extensive project", clarify with "the most extensive research project in the field" to provide precise meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the most extensive" functions as a superlative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun possesses the greatest degree of extension, reach, or scope compared to others of its kind. Ludwig's examples show its usage in contexts ranging from describing collections to investigations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the most extensive" is a common and grammatically sound superlative adjective phrase used to describe something that has the greatest range, size, or scope. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous real-world examples demonstrating its usage across diverse fields, including News & Media and Science. While generally neutral in register, it is essential to provide clear context specifying what aspect is being measured for extensiveness to prevent ambiguity. Alternatives include "the most comprehensive", "the largest", and "the widest", which can be used depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the most comprehensive

Focuses on thoroughness and completeness rather than sheer size or reach.

the largest

Emphasizes size and scale, often in a physical or quantifiable sense.

the widest

Highlights breadth and span, particularly in terms of distribution or application.

the broadest

Similar to 'widest' but can also refer to a range of topics or subjects.

the most thorough

Implies a complete and detailed approach, leaving no aspect unexplored.

the most complete

Stresses the inclusion of all necessary parts or elements.

the greatest

Indicates the highest degree or intensity, rather than physical size.

the most far-reaching

Highlights the impact and influence over a large area or group.

the most sweeping

Suggests a wide-ranging effect or influence, often in a transformative way.

the most exhaustive

Emphasizes the depth and intensity of an investigation or analysis.

FAQs

How can I use "the most extensive" in a sentence?

Use "the most extensive" to describe something that has the greatest range, size, or degree compared to others. For example, "This library has "the most extensive collection" of rare books in the country."

What can I say instead of "the most extensive"?

You can use alternatives such as "the most comprehensive", "the largest", or "the widest" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "extensive" or "the most extensive"?

"Extensive" describes something covering a large area or scope. "The most extensive" indicates it surpasses all others in this quality. The choice depends on whether you are comparing or simply describing.

What's the difference between "the most extensive" and "the most thorough"?

"The most extensive" emphasizes breadth and scope, while "the most thorough" emphasizes completeness and detail. Use "the most extensive" when referring to range or reach, and "the most thorough" when referring to detail and completeness.