to be comprehensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be comprehensive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the need for thoroughness or completeness in a particular context, such as a report or analysis. Example: "The goal of this study is to be comprehensive in its examination of the factors affecting climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It's got to be comprehensive".

The New York Times

Neither book claims to be comprehensive.

The Guardian - Books

We have never tried to be comprehensive.

The New York Times - Arts

Both want it to be "comprehensive".

The Guardian

The three-hour tour did not pretend to be comprehensive.

The New York Times

Was not the CSSAS, by definition, meant to be comprehensive?

The Economist

Yet for a program that aims to be comprehensive, it also leaves gaps.

The New York Times

And even those who would prefer all schools to be comprehensive should welcome these measures.

The Guardian - Opinion

We need to act rather rapidly, but that has to be comprehensive strategy".

The Guardian

We need to be comprehensive, because cyberspace has specific characteristics that blur traditional boundaries.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Qomi said any coalition had to be "comprehensive" and had to include Sunnis.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a "comprehensive" approach, define the scope clearly at the outset to manage expectations and resources effectively.

Common error

Avoid claiming a study or analysis "to be comprehensive" if limitations exist. Acknowledge any constraints to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be comprehensive" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used as a predicate adjective describing the intended scope or nature of a subject, action, or plan. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

47%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be comprehensive" is a grammatically correct and commonly used infinitive phrase that conveys the intention of thoroughness and completeness. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage across diverse contexts. It is most frequently found in scientific and news media sources, indicating its suitability for formal and neutral registers. While aiming for comprehensiveness is often desirable, it's important to define the scope clearly and acknowledge any limitations to maintain credibility. Alternative phrases like ""to be thorough"" or ""to be all-inclusive"" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be all-inclusive

Focuses on including everything without exception.

to be exhaustive

Emphasizes thoroughness and leaving nothing out.

to be thorough

Highlights attention to detail and completeness.

to be complete

Stresses the absence of missing parts or elements.

to be in-depth

Suggests a deep and detailed exploration.

to be wide-ranging

Implies covering a broad scope or variety of topics.

to be sweeping

Conveys a large-scale and encompassing approach.

to be overarching

Refers to something that covers or affects everything.

to cover all bases

Idiomatic way of saying to consider every possibility.

to leave no stone unturned

Idiomatic way of expressing a very thorough search or investigation.

FAQs

How can I use "to be comprehensive" in a sentence?

You can use "to be comprehensive" to describe the scope or extent of something, such as "The report aims "to be comprehensive" in its analysis of the market."

What are some alternatives to "to be comprehensive"?

Alternatives include "to be thorough", "to be exhaustive", or "to be all-inclusive" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary for something to be comprehensive?

No, comprehensiveness depends on the context and objectives. Sometimes a targeted or focused approach is more efficient and effective than trying "to be comprehensive".

What does it mean when a study claims "to be comprehensive"?

It suggests that the study intends to cover all relevant aspects of a topic, although it's important to critically assess whether the study truly achieves this aim and acknowledge limitations, as it might not be possible "to be truly complete".