What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
extensively
Example
The report extensively covers the history of the company. [extensively: adverb]
Example
She researched extensively for her thesis, reading dozens of books and articles. [extensively: adverb]
comprehensively
Example
The book comprehensively explains the principles of physics. [comprehensively: adverb]
Example
The report analyzed the issue comprehensively, taking into account all relevant factors. [comprehensively: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Extensively is more commonly used than comprehensively in everyday language. Extensively is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while comprehensively is more commonly used in academic or technical writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between extensively and comprehensively?
Comprehensively is typically associated with a formal and academic tone, while extensively can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.