a more thorough enquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a more thorough enquiry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the need for a deeper investigation or examination of a subject or issue. Example: "After reviewing the initial findings, we decided that a more thorough enquiry was necessary to uncover all relevant details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Marshall did echo Trombetta's call for a more thorough enquiry into El Sistema's social reach and effectiveness.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A year later, a more thorough study confirmed the risk.

The New York Times - Health

(A more thorough memo came twenty-four hours later).

The New Yorker

"Security should have given you a more thorough patdown".

The New Yorker

Thereafter, he made a more thorough study of Socialist writers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Perhaps then it will do a more thorough job.

The Economist

The future will see a more thorough uploading review process".

Independent

A more thorough look at the science would have made for a more balanced article.

The New York Times

Being a prisoner charged with murder, he was given a more thorough examination this time.

The New Yorker

That ends up being a more thorough approach, but it may also be more intrusive.

The New York Times - Tech

(For a more thorough explanation, have a look at this Notes & Queries article from 2011).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a more thorough enquiry" when you want to emphasize the need for a deeper and more comprehensive investigation than what has been done before. It's particularly suitable when initial findings are insufficient or questionable.

Common error

Avoid using "a more thorough enquiry" in informal contexts. Simpler phrases like "a better look" or "more research" might be more appropriate in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a more thorough enquiry" functions as a noun phrase, where 'enquiry' is the head noun, and 'more thorough' acts as a pre-modifying adjective phrase. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a more thorough enquiry" is a grammatically sound phrase used to advocate for a deeper, more comprehensive investigation. Ludwig confirms its usability. While relatively rare, it's best suited for neutral to formal contexts, such as news reports, academic papers, or official communications. When writing, consider simpler alternatives like "a more detailed investigation" for informal settings. Remember that using this phrase implies the initial investigation was insufficient, so ensure your context aligns with this connotation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a more detailed investigation

Focuses on the level of detail in the investigation.

a more comprehensive examination

Emphasizes the breadth and completeness of the examination.

a more in-depth analysis

Highlights the depth of the analysis.

a more extensive study

Focuses on the scale and scope of the research.

a more rigorous assessment

Stresses the strictness and accuracy of the evaluation.

a deeper probe

Suggests a more profound and penetrating investigation.

a closer scrutiny

Highlights the careful and attentive examination.

a far-reaching inquiry

Emphasizes the broad scope and potential impact of the inquiry.

a full exploration

Stresses the exhaustive nature of the exploration.

a meticulous review

Highlights the care and precision in the review process.

FAQs

How can I use "a more thorough enquiry" in a sentence?

You can use "a more thorough enquiry" to suggest a need for deeper investigation, as in, "After the initial report, the committee called for "a more thorough enquiry" into the matter".

What is a good alternative to "a more thorough enquiry"?

Alternatives include "a more detailed investigation", "a more comprehensive examination", or "a more in-depth analysis", each varying slightly in emphasis.

When is it appropriate to use "a more thorough enquiry" instead of "a simple investigation"?

"A more thorough enquiry" is appropriate when a superficial investigation is insufficient and a deeper, more detailed examination is required. It suggests a higher level of scrutiny and attention to detail compared to "a simple investigation".

What does "a more thorough enquiry" imply about the initial investigation?

"A more thorough enquiry" implies that the initial investigation was either incomplete, inadequate, or raised further questions that need to be addressed with a more detailed and comprehensive approach.