In 15 Seconds
- A deep and thorough investigation into a specific topic.
- Used to show credibility and hard work in finding facts.
- Perfect for professional reports or serious personal decisions.
Meaning
This phrase describes doing a lot of deep work to find information. It means you didn't just look at one website; you checked many sources to be sure.
Key Examples
3 of 6Buying a new car
After extensive research, I decided that this hybrid is the most reliable model.
After a thorough study, I decided this hybrid is the most reliable.
Writing a university paper
The professor praised my essay for its extensive research and clear citations.
The professor praised my essay for its thorough study and clear citations.
Texting a friend about a vacation
I've done some extensive research on Tokyo hotels, and this one is the best!
I've done a lot of study on Tokyo hotels, and this one is the best!
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the Western emphasis on empirical evidence and 'doing your homework' before forming an opinion. It gained massive traction in the mid-20th century within academic and medical journals before entering everyday corporate and consumer language. Today, it is often used by 'prosumers' who spend hours researching products before buying.
Pair it with 'Conduct'
If you want to sound like a total pro in a meeting, say you 'conducted' extensive research instead of just 'did' it.
Don't over-use it
If you use this for every small thing, like choosing a sandwich, people might think you are being sarcastic or a bit 'extra'.
In 15 Seconds
- A deep and thorough investigation into a specific topic.
- Used to show credibility and hard work in finding facts.
- Perfect for professional reports or serious personal decisions.
What It Means
Extensive research means you did a deep dive into a topic. You spent a lot of time reading, asking questions, or testing things out. It is more than just a quick Google search. It implies you are now an expert on that specific thing. Think of it like a detective solving a mystery. You have all the facts and the proof to back them up.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when you want to sound credible. It often follows a verb like conducted, did, or required. You can use it for big life decisions or academic work. If you spent three weeks reading reviews for a new toaster, you did extensive research. It sounds very serious and thorough. Just don't use it for things that take two seconds, or people will think you are being sarcastic.
When To Use It
Use this in professional settings to show you worked hard. It is great for job interviews when explaining your projects. Use it with friends when you are giving them serious advice. For example, if you found the best pizza in Italy after reading fifty blogs. It adds weight to your opinion. It tells people, "Trust me, I know what I am talking about."
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this for very small, impulsive actions. If you just glanced at a menu, do not say you did extensive research. It will sound like you are trying too hard. Also, avoid it in very casual slang-heavy conversations unless you are joking. If a friend asks why you bought a candy bar, saying you did extensive research is a bit much. Unless, of course, you actually compared every sugar level in the store.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, being "well-informed" is highly valued. We love data and reviews. People often pride themselves on being "smart shoppers" or "diligent workers." This phrase became very popular in the 20th century with the rise of science and academia. Now, it is used by everyone from scientists to YouTubers reviewing gadgets. It reflects a culture that wants to avoid making mistakes by knowing everything first.
Common Variations
You might hear people say thorough investigation or in-depth study. These mean almost the same thing. In a more casual way, people say they did their homework. If someone says, "I've done a lot of digging," they are using a metaphor for extensive research. Comprehensive analysis is the even fancier cousin used in big business reports.
Usage Notes
This is a high-frequency collocation in B2-level English. It is mostly formal or neutral; avoid using it in very slang-heavy environments unless you are being ironic.
Pair it with 'Conduct'
If you want to sound like a total pro in a meeting, say you 'conducted' extensive research instead of just 'did' it.
Don't over-use it
If you use this for every small thing, like choosing a sandwich, people might think you are being sarcastic or a bit 'extra'.
The 'Homework' Alternative
In the US, people often say 'I did my homework' to mean the same thing in a slightly more relaxed, confident way.
Examples
6After extensive research, I decided that this hybrid is the most reliable model.
After a thorough study, I decided this hybrid is the most reliable.
Shows the speaker is confident in their expensive purchase.
The professor praised my essay for its extensive research and clear citations.
The professor praised my essay for its thorough study and clear citations.
Academic context where 'extensive' is a high compliment.
I've done some extensive research on Tokyo hotels, and this one is the best!
I've done a lot of study on Tokyo hotels, and this one is the best!
Adds a sense of authority to a travel recommendation.
This project is taking longer because it requires extensive research into local laws.
This project is taking longer because it needs a thorough study of laws.
Used as a valid reason for why a task is time-consuming.
I've conducted extensive research and concluded that chocolate is better than vanilla.
I've done a thorough study and decided chocolate is better than vanilla.
Humorous because the topic is subjective and trivial.
We need to do extensive research before we can confirm the cause of the symptoms.
We need to do a thorough study before confirming the cause.
Serious tone used in a healthcare environment.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to complete the professional sentence.
The marketing team conducted ___ research before launching the new brand.
`Extensive` is the standard collocation for research in a business context.
Which verb usually goes with 'extensive research'?
He ___ extensive research into the history of the building.
While 'conducted' is formal, 'did' is the most common verb used in daily English.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Extensive Research'
I looked it up.
I checked a few sites.
I did some research.
I did my homework on this.
Extensive research
We conducted extensive research.
When to use 'Extensive Research'
Job Interview
I did extensive research on your company.
Buying a Home
We did extensive research on the neighborhood.
Scientific Paper
The findings are based on extensive research.
Planning a Trip
After extensive research, we picked this island.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesThe marketing team conducted ___ research before launching the new brand.
`Extensive` is the standard collocation for research in a business context.
He ___ extensive research into the history of the building.
While 'conducted' is formal, 'did' is the most common verb used in daily English.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot at all! You can use it for anything that requires effort to learn, like buying a car or choosing a college.
It is better to avoid 'big research.' In English, extensive or thorough are the natural partners for the word research.
Yes, but it usually implies you are being very helpful or perhaps a little bit nerdy about a topic.
Some research is casual and quick. Extensive research means you spent hours or days and looked at many different sources.
You can say you did extensive research on a person (like a political candidate), but be careful—it can sound a bit like stalking if used for a first date!
No, research is an uncountable noun in English. Never say 'extensive researches'.
They are very similar. Extensive emphasizes the amount of information, while in-depth emphasizes the level of detail.
The most common mistake is saying make research. Always use do or conduct with extensive research.
It is pronounced ek-STEN-siv. The stress is on the middle syllable.
Yes, it is a 'power phrase' in business. It shows you are prepared and your ideas are based on facts.
Related Phrases
Due diligence
The formal process of checking facts, usually in business or law.
Deep dive
A very thorough and detailed exploration of a subject.
Do your homework
To prepare for something by gathering all necessary information.
Fact-finding mission
A journey or task specifically designed to gather information.
