a thorough search of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a thorough search of" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase typically refers to a search of an area or collection of items in order to find something. For example, you might say, "We conducted a thorough search of the library for the missing book."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

13 A thorough search of the car was therefore reasonable.

Cornell University

"A thorough search of the scene … did not reveal human remains," he said.

The Guardian

We have already carried out a thorough search of our written records.

The Guardian

However, a thorough search of the meter cupboard, wardrobe and chest of drawers revealed nothing.

The Guardian - Books

A thorough search of the apartment followed, but no narcotics were discovered.

Cornell University

A thorough search of the scholarly literature is an important part of any project.

Safety Science

As for the missing computer tapes, they were not found in a thorough search of the Los Alamos landfill.

The New York Times

A thorough search of the published reports of these investigationes was carried out and they are analyzed in this paper.

Catalysis Today

The WRU chief executive said: "We carried out a thorough search of the available candidates and Josh won through from an extremely strong group of final candidates.

The Guardian - Sport

Upon a thorough search of the subject and the surrounding area, no weapon was found," a spokesman said in a statement.

The Guardian

When the aircraft failed to return, a thorough search of an area ten miles on either side of the intended route was initiated.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing academically or professionally, use "a thorough search of" to convey the comprehensiveness of a literature review or data collection process. This assures your audience that you have considered a wide range of sources or possibilities.

Common error

Avoid using the passive voice unnecessarily when describing a search. Instead of saying "A thorough search of the documents was conducted", prefer the active voice: "The team conducted a thorough search of the documents" for clearer and more direct communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thorough search of" functions as a modifier + noun + prepositional phrase, describing a comprehensive examination or investigation. Ludwig indicates this is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

39%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a thorough search of" is a frequently used and grammatically correct phrase that describes a comprehensive and detailed examination or investigation. Ludwig AI affirms its validity and usability in written English. It's commonly employed in news media and scientific contexts to convey the depth and completeness of a search process. For best practice, use active voice constructions to enhance clarity, and consider related phrases such as "a comprehensive examination of" or "an exhaustive investigation into" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exhaustive investigation into

Emphasizes the completeness of the investigation, replacing "thorough search" with "exhaustive investigation".

an in-depth analysis of

Indicates a deep and thorough analysis, shifting the focus from searching to analyzing.

a comprehensive examination of

Replaces "search" with "examination", implying a more detailed and formal investigation.

a meticulous review of

Suggests a careful and detailed evaluation, swapping "search" for "review".

a detailed exploration of

Substitutes "search" with "exploration", suggesting a more exploratory and investigative approach.

a rigorous inspection of

Replaces "search" with "inspection", implying a more formal and meticulous examination.

a scrupulous investigation of

Highlights the careful and principled nature of the search, replacing "thorough" with "scrupulous".

a complete scan of

Uses "scan" instead of "search", suggesting a systematic overview, possibly in a technical context.

a wide-ranging survey of

Implies a broad and extensive search, using "survey" to suggest a comprehensive overview.

a painstaking sifting through

Emphasizes the effort and care taken in the search, replacing "search" with "sifting through".

FAQs

How can I use "a thorough search of" in a sentence?

You can use "a thorough search of" to describe a comprehensive examination. For example, "A thorough search of the archives revealed new information about the project."

What's the difference between "a thorough search of" and "a quick search of"?

"A thorough search of" implies a comprehensive and detailed examination, while "a quick search of" suggests a brief and less detailed examination. The former is more suitable when completeness is important.

What are some alternatives to "a thorough search of"?

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

Is "a thorough search on" grammatically correct instead of "a thorough search of"?

No, "a thorough search on" is not typically used. The correct and idiomatic preposition is "of". Use "a thorough search of" followed by the area, documents, or data being searched.