a thorough survey of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a thorough survey of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a detailed examination or analysis of a particular subject or area. Example: "The researchers conducted a thorough survey of the local wildlife to assess the impact of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

There isn't even a thorough survey of participation, so we don't know how bad things have got, she says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This important book is a thorough survey of every major study of the efficacy of psychoanalytic treatment.

Yale University

This review presents a thorough survey of academic work on the analysis and application of the mechanics of spinning.

Journal of Materials Processing Technology

THESE quibbles aside, Mr. Navellier has managed to create a thorough survey of growth investing, one designed for both novices and the experienced.

The New York Times

L.J. 619 (2000): A thorough survey of the open source development process as actually practiced, as well as the development and future prospects of the open source movement.

Harvard University

Just as soon as news of the change at Yale reached him, Moore came to New Haven for a thorough survey of the situation.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

The research project includes a thorough survey and assessment of existing experimental and theoretical research in the area of the deformation capacity of structural masonry, an intensive testing campaign as well as developing and introducing new sophisticated mechanical models for structural masonry.

International Journal of Advanced Structural Engineering

Buying a property that could be more than 100 years old can throw up structural problems, making a thorough survey a vital part of the buying process to discover any serious defects.

The Guardian - Money

One councillor wants a deep, thorough survey of everyone's transport needs.

The Guardian - Opinion

Therefore, we have conducted a more thorough survey of various human and mouse tissues to better establish the expression pattern of STX17 in different tissues and cell types.

Duke University

When more studies and with more consistent results have been performed, a more thorough survey of the literature can be done, and with clearer, more concise results.

Journal of Big Data

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a thorough survey of", ensure the subsequent content provides sufficient depth and detail to justify the 'thorough' descriptor. Avoid superficial overviews.

Common error

Avoid using "a thorough survey of" when the analysis is only cursory or superficial. Ensure the depth of analysis matches the claim of being 'thorough'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thorough survey of" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a detailed examination or analysis of a particular subject. It sets the expectation for a comprehensive overview, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

30%

Academia

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a thorough survey of" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a detailed and comprehensive examination of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, ranging from scientific reports to news articles. When employing this phrase, ensure that the subsequent analysis aligns with the promise of thoroughness. Alternatives such as ""a comprehensive review of"" or ""an in-depth analysis of"" may be considered for nuanced expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comprehensive review of

This phrase replaces "survey" with "review" and "thorough" with "comprehensive", emphasizing a complete and detailed overview.

an in-depth analysis of

This alternative focuses on the depth of the analysis rather than the breadth of a survey, suggesting a detailed examination.

a detailed examination of

This phrase uses "examination" instead of "survey" and "detailed" in place of "thorough", highlighting a close and careful inspection.

a complete assessment of

This phrase uses "assessment" to suggest an evaluation, while "complete" replaces "thorough", indicating a full and inclusive evaluation.

a rigorous investigation of

This alternative emphasizes the strictness and carefulness of the examination, using "rigorous" instead of "thorough" and "investigation" instead of "survey".

a systematic study of

This phrase focuses on the structured and methodical nature of the analysis, using "systematic study" instead of "thorough survey".

an exhaustive study of

This uses "exhaustive study" instead of "thorough survey", highlighting the comprehensive nature of the research.

a wide-ranging overview of

This alternative replaces the emphasis on depth with one of breadth, highlighting an overview covering many aspects.

a panoramic view of

This phrase uses a more metaphorical approach, suggesting a broad and encompassing perspective on a subject.

a comprehensive account of

This phrase emphasizes a complete and detailed report or description, using "account" instead of "survey".

FAQs

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

You can use "a thorough survey of" to introduce a detailed examination or analysis of a topic. For example: "The book provides "a thorough survey of" modern economic theories."

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

Alternatives include "a comprehensive review of", "an in-depth analysis of", or "a detailed examination of". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "a very thorough survey of"?

While not strictly incorrect, adding "very" to "a thorough survey of" can be redundant, as 'thorough' already implies a high degree of completeness. Consider using a stronger synonym for 'thorough' or rephrasing for emphasis.

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

"A survey of" implies a general overview, while ""a thorough survey of"" suggests a more detailed and comprehensive examination, exploring multiple facets of the subject.