a thorough inquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

'a thorough inquiry' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in any situation where you want to discuss a thorough investigation into something. For example: "We conducted a thorough inquiry into the cause of the accident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

This also deserves a thorough inquiry.

The New York Times

But some city leaders yesterday called for a thorough inquiry.

The New York Times

The Pentagon needs to make that issue part of a thorough inquiry.

The New York Times

If those boasts are true, then it should welcome a thorough inquiry into war crimes.

The Economist

"We pledge a thorough inquiry and a full and fair report," Mr. Schneiderman said.

The New York Times

The regulator then did a thorough inquiry into what had gone wrong.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

This 10-week inquest has been a fairly thorough inquiry, yet on an unequal field.

The Guardian - Opinion

The committee, notably, deep-sixed the recommendation from its new advisory panel, the Office of Congressional Ethics, to open a more thorough inquiry into two of the seven: Representatives Peter Visclosky, a Democrat of Indiana, and Todd Tiahrt, a Republican of Kansas.

The New York Times

Caroline Peattie, executive director of the fair housing group, acknowledged that's a small sample, but she said she believes there's enough evidence to warrant an investigation by HUD, which has the resources for a more thorough inquiry.

Los Angeles Times

A defender of the principle of causality, Buridan asserted a modified version of traditional moral determinism, declaring that men must will what presents itself as the greater good but that the will is free to delay the reason's judgment by suggesting a more thorough inquiry into the value of motives.

Encyclopedia Britannica

According one well-placed source with knowledge of Operation Raker, the RAF police investigation into the death, there were some at the MoD who were concerned about the possible consequences of a more thorough inquiry: people who were filled with dread at the thought that it could lead to accusations that British forces and others had been involved in crimes against humanity.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider specifying the desired outcome or the specific questions the inquiry should address to guide the process effectively.

Common error

Avoid calling for "a thorough inquiry" without specifying the goals or expected outcomes. A vague request can lead to unfocused investigations and inconclusive results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thorough inquiry" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes the act of conducting a comprehensive investigation, as supported by examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a thorough inquiry" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a comprehensive investigation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across various contexts, primarily in news, scientific, and formal business settings. The phrase is best used when advocating for or reporting on the need for a detailed and exhaustive investigation. To enhance clarity, define the scope and objectives of the inquiry. Alternatives such as "a comprehensive investigation" or "an exhaustive examination" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comprehensive investigation

Focuses on the breadth and completeness of the investigation.

an exhaustive examination

Emphasizes the depth and detail of the examination.

a detailed analysis

Highlights the analytical nature and thoroughness of the process.

a complete probe

Suggests a full and unrestricted exploration of the matter.

a full-scale review

Implies a wide-ranging and significant review process.

an in-depth study

Focuses on the intensity and profoundness of the study.

a rigorous inspection

Highlights the strictness and accuracy of the inspection.

a scrupulous assessment

Emphasizes the care and precision of the assessment.

a far-reaching exploration

Suggests an investigation that covers a wide scope of elements.

a root and branch investigation

Implies a radical review to discover and eliminate anything defective.

FAQs

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

You can use "a thorough inquiry" to describe a comprehensive investigation. For example, "The committee pledged to conduct "a thorough inquiry" into the allegations".

What is the difference between "a thorough inquiry" and "a superficial investigation"?

"A thorough inquiry" implies a deep and comprehensive examination, while "a superficial investigation" suggests a shallow and incomplete review.

What can I say instead of "a thorough inquiry"?

You can use alternatives like "a comprehensive investigation", "an exhaustive examination", or "a detailed analysis" depending on the context.

When is "a thorough inquiry" necessary?

"A thorough inquiry" is necessary when dealing with complex issues, serious allegations, or situations where a complete understanding of the facts is crucial.