Body of literature

How it is used

Very common in introductions and literature reviews, especially in 'a growing body of literature suggests that ...'. A study adds to or contributes to the body of literature. Body of research and body of evidence are frequent variants.

Example sentences

1. A growing body of literature links screen time to sleep problems in adolescents.

2. This thesis adds to the small body of literature on rural teachers in Türkiye.

Common collocations

• a growing body of literature
• a large body of research
• body of evidence
• contribute to the body of literature

Related terms

• literatureThe body of published research and writing on a particular subject; in academic use it does not mean novels and poetry.
• literature reviewA critical summary of what has already been published on a topic, showing the main ideas, debates and gaps that a new study responds to.
• research gapA question, group, context or problem that existing studies have not yet addressed well, which a new study aims to fill.
• evidenceFacts, data or findings that show whether a claim or idea is true or likely to be true.

More terms: Literature Review

• theoretical framework
• seminal
• synthesize
• draw on
• build on
• primary source
• secondary source
• systematic review
• database
• meta-analysis
• consensus
• critique