A2noun2K

Survey

UK /["/ˈsɜːveɪ/"]/US /["/ˈsɜːrveɪ/"]/

Definition

an investigation of the opinions, behaviour, etc. of a particular group of people, which is usually done by asking them questions

In simple words: A way to ask many people questions to get information.

Examples

  • The survey revealed interesting facts about consumer behavior.
  • Please complete the survey by the end of the week.
  • They conducted a survey to understand public opinion on the new policy.
  • Before the construction begins, they will survey the land to assess its condition.
  • The teacher used a survey to gather feedback from students about the course.

Usage notes

Used in both academic and business contexts, often appropriate for data collection. Avoid in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

survey + object

Memory hint

Think of 'serve' + 'way' — you serve questions to people.

Collocations

  • comprehensive
  • detailed
  • extensive
  • administer
  • carry out
  • conduct
  • cover something
  • deal with something
  • examine something
  • data
  • results
  • method
  • according to a/​the survey
  • in a/​the survey
  • survey into
  • the findings of a/​the survey
  • the results of a/​the survey
  • full
  • aerial
  • archaeological
  • carry out
  • do
  • make
  • full
  • aerial
  • archaeological
  • carry out
  • do
  • make
  • comprehensive
  • detailed
  • extensive
  • administer
  • carry out
  • conduct
  • cover something
  • deal with something
  • examine something
  • data
  • results
  • method
  • according to a/​the survey
  • in a/​the survey
  • survey into
  • the findings of a/​the survey
  • the results of a/​the survey

Synonyms

  • poll
  • questionnaire
  • study
  • feedback
  • assessment

Antonyms

  • ignore
  • neglect

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'serve' due to similar spelling.
  • Using 'surveys' as a verb instead of a noun.
  • Mixing up the meaning with 'sightseeing.'