a thorough enquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a thorough enquiry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a detailed investigation or examination of a particular subject or issue. Example: "The committee conducted a thorough enquiry into the allegations of misconduct."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In a thinly veiled reference to the financial difficulties faced by Greece, the leaders also called on the European Commission to begin "a thorough enquiry on the role and the impact of speculative behavior" on credit default swaps and bonds issued by European states.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 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

A thorough psychometric enquiry into the counter-transference processes toward patients suffering from personality disorders (including BPD) was conducted by Betan et al. [ 22].

BMC Psychiatry

For the latter, even if he himself observed a particular battle, he made as thorough an enquiry as he could for he realized that eyewitnesses, either from faulty memory or from bias, were not always reliable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Following a thorough and exhaustive investigation, and after many long trials, enquiries and proceedings, this matter has been concluded and the right decision has been taken.

The Guardian

"We welcome the fact that the police are conducting a thorough investigation and we continue to support them during their enquiries".

The Guardian

We have instigated a thorough investigation in order to ascertain the extent and scope of the breach and our enquiries are ongoing at this time.

TechCrunch

"A thorough search.

The Economist

A thorough overhaul is needed.

The Economist

He promised a thorough investigation.

The New York Times

Give it a thorough mixing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a thorough enquiry", ensure the context clearly indicates the scope and purpose of the investigation. It's best used when emphasizing the need for a detailed and comprehensive examination of a particular issue or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a thorough enquiry" in casual or informal settings; it can sound overly formal. Simpler terms like "careful look" or "detailed check" are more appropriate for everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thorough enquiry" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb (e.g., "conducted", "launched", "demanded") or following a preposition. It signifies a detailed and comprehensive investigation, aligning with Ludwig's affirmation of its correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a thorough enquiry" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English. Ludwig AI indicates that it's best suited for formal contexts where a detailed investigation is emphasized. While less frequent in everyday conversation, it is commonly found in news, business, and academic writing. Alternatives such as "a comprehensive investigation" or "a detailed inquiry" can be used for similar effect, depending on the desired nuance. Remember to use it judiciously to maintain a professional and clear tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comprehensive investigation

Emphasizes the completeness and breadth of the investigation.

an exhaustive examination

Highlights the depth and detail of the examination.

a detailed inquiry

Focuses on the level of detail involved in the inquiry.

a complete probe

Suggests a full and thorough exploration of the matter.

an in-depth analysis

Indicates a deep and thorough analysis of the subject.

a rigorous study

Highlights the strict and careful nature of the study.

a painstaking review

Emphasizes the care and effort involved in the review.

a meticulous assessment

Focuses on the precision and attention to detail in the assessment.

a full-scale investigation

Emphasizes the extent and scope of the investigation.

a wide-ranging inquiry

Highlights the broad scope and coverage of the inquiry.

FAQs

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

"A thorough enquiry" is typically used when referring to a detailed investigation or examination. For example, "The committee launched "a thorough enquiry" into the matter to ensure all aspects were considered".

What are some alternatives to "a thorough enquiry"?

Alternatives include "a comprehensive investigation", "a detailed inquiry", or "an exhaustive examination", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a thorough enquiry" formal or informal?

"A thorough enquiry" is generally considered a formal phrase. In more casual contexts, consider using phrases like "a careful look" or "a detailed check".

What does "a thorough enquiry" imply?

It implies that the investigation or examination will be conducted with great attention to detail and will cover all relevant aspects of the subject matter.