a serious study

USAGE SUMMARY

"a serious study" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to a detailed and thorough investigation or examination of a particular topic or subject. Example: "The students conducted a serious study on the effects of climate change in their local community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Nobody has done a serious study of the issue".

The New York Times

Whether Harte's work can support the structure of a serious study is never clearly answered.

The New York Times - Books

Before doing something indiscriminately, we should make a serious study of the situation".

The New York Times - Sports

How does he advise people to begin a serious study of Buddhism, he was asked.

The New York Times

We are carrying out a serious study of those suggestions," Zhang said.

The Guardian

Her visits to India and Japan led her to a serious study of their dance techniques.

Encyclopedia Britannica

From that collaboration came a serious study of a style icon and a personal friendship.

The New York Times

It is the kind of speculation, however, that many thinktanks and NGOs have found worth a serious study.

The Guardian - Opinion

Until the 18th century, Christians showed little inclination to engage in a serious study of other religions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Gosh, Sir, I think it will be really interesting to conduct a serious study of propaganda," the wannabe earnestly concludes.

Independent

As well as making a serious study of art history, I was studying popular art in folk museums.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a serious study", ensure the context clearly indicates the depth and rigor of the investigation being referred to. Avoid using it for casual or superficial analyses.

Common error

Avoid using "a serious study" if the investigation is preliminary or lacks substantial evidence. Overstating the seriousness can undermine credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious study" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "serious" modifies the noun "study". According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, indicating its acceptance in standard English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a serious study" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that indicates a thorough and rigorous investigation. According to Ludwig, the phrase is well-regarded and commonly used. It appears most often in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science contexts, denoting a neutral to formal register. When employing this phrase, ensure the context supports the implication of depth and rigor. Consider alternatives like "a thorough investigation" or "an in-depth analysis" to fine-tune the intended meaning. By being mindful of the contexts and connotations, you can effectively utilize "a serious study" to convey the appropriate level of analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a thorough investigation

Replaces 'study' with 'investigation', emphasizing the depth and detail of the examination.

an in-depth analysis

Focuses on the analytical aspect, highlighting a detailed and comprehensive examination.

a comprehensive review

Suggests a broad and complete examination of the subject matter.

a rigorous examination

Emphasizes the strict and thorough nature of the investigation.

a detailed exploration

Highlights the act of exploring the topic in a meticulous manner.

a profound inquiry

Emphasizes the depth and significance of the investigation.

an exhaustive assessment

Highlights the comprehensive and thorough nature of the evaluation.

a scholarly analysis

Highlights the academic and intellectual nature of the examination.

a critical evaluation

Focuses on evaluating the subject matter with a discerning and analytical approach.

a systematic investigation

Emphasizes the structured and methodical nature of the investigation.

FAQs

How can I use "a serious study" in a sentence?

You can use "a serious study" to describe a thorough investigation or analysis of a topic. For example, "The government commissioned "a serious study" to determine the impact of the new policy."

What are some alternatives to using "a serious study"?

Alternatives include "a thorough investigation", "an in-depth analysis", or "a comprehensive review", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "a serious study" or "an in-depth study"?

Both "a serious study" and "an in-depth study" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on stylistic preference. You can also use "a rigorous study".

What distinguishes "a serious study" from a simple investigation?

"A serious study" implies a more rigorous, detailed, and methodical approach than a general investigation. It suggests a commitment to thoroughness and accuracy, similar to "a systematic investigation".