comprehensive search for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "comprehensive search for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an extensive and thorough investigation or inquiry into a particular subject or topic. Example: "The researchers conducted a comprehensive search for relevant studies to support their findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But a comprehensive search for the origins of the nitrogen has yet to be conducted.

The New York Times

To do a comprehensive search for disease genes, researchers need to look at all types of variation.

MIT Technology Review

The researchers suggest that it is "the most sensitive and comprehensive search for time-travellers yet conducted".

The Economist

The world's most comprehensive search for ET begins in earnest in January with backing from Yuri Milner, the Russian internet billionaire.

The Guardian

In tandem, the Lick Observatory in California will perform the most comprehensive search for optical laser transmissions beamed from other planets.

The Guardian

He and others also tried to convince the American government that the risk from big meteorites justified a more comprehensive search for potential earth-hitters.

The Economist

Faust indicated that she will name an interim dean in the coming months as the University launches a comprehensive search for Frenk's successor.

Harvard University

You can do a comprehensive search for all Columbia dissertations including those in Academic Commons using the Columbia University Libraries catalog CLIO.

Columbia University

A comprehensive search for after-school evaluations was completed in order to conduct a meta-evaluation of evaluation methodologies used and to synthesize the findings of the evaluations.

The American Journal of Evaluation

Applying this approach is much quicker, less expensive and allows for a more comprehensive search for the most suitable candidates than working with experimental data alone.

Computers & Chemical Engineering

Hart, G. L. W., Curtarolo, S., Massalski, T. B. & Levy, O. Comprehensive search for new phases and compounds in binary alloy systems based on platinum-group metals, using a computational first-principles approach.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "comprehensive search for", ensure that the scope and methodology of the search are clearly defined to emphasize its thoroughness.

Common error

Avoid using "comprehensive search for" if the search was limited in scope or resources, as it can mislead readers about the thoroughness of the investigation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "comprehensive search for" functions as a descriptor, typically introducing a noun or noun phrase. It denotes an exhaustive effort to find or discover something. Ludwig showcases examples where it precedes nouns like 'origins', 'disease genes', and 'time-travelers'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

19%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "comprehensive search for" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to describe a thorough and exhaustive investigation. As shown by Ludwig, it appears predominantly in scientific and academic contexts, with notable usage in news media as well. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is accurate and suitable for use in various writing styles. When employing this phrase, clearly define the scope of the search to underscore its comprehensiveness and thoroughness, while avoiding its use if the search was in any way limited. Alternatives, such as "thorough investigation into" or "extensive inquiry into", can provide stylistic variation while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thorough investigation into

Replaces "search" with "investigation" and "for" with "into", emphasizing the investigative nature.

extensive inquiry into

Substitutes "search" with "inquiry" and "comprehensive" with "extensive", highlighting the depth of the exploration.

in-depth examination of

Uses "examination" instead of "search" and adds "in-depth" to stress the detailed nature of the review.

detailed exploration of

Replaces "search" with "exploration" and "comprehensive" with "detailed", focusing on the thoroughness of the exploration.

exhaustive study of

Changes "search" to "study" and "comprehensive" to "exhaustive", stressing the thoroughness of the study.

complete review of

Uses "review" instead of "search" and "complete" for "comprehensive", highlighting the completeness of the review.

wide-ranging investigation of

Replaces "search" with "investigation" and "comprehensive" with "wide-ranging", emphasizing the breadth of the investigation.

thoroughgoing analysis of

Substitutes "search" with "analysis" and "comprehensive" with "thoroughgoing", highlighting the depth of the analysis.

systematic examination of

Uses "examination" instead of "search" and "systematic" to indicate a structured and thorough approach.

meticulous search for

Replaces "comprehensive" with "meticulous", stressing the precision and attention to detail in the search.

FAQs

How can I use "comprehensive search for" in a sentence?

You can use "comprehensive search for" to describe a thorough investigation, as in, "The team conducted a "comprehensive search for" relevant data.".

What are some alternatives to "comprehensive search for"?

Alternatives include "thorough investigation into", "extensive inquiry into", or "in-depth examination of".

Is it redundant to say "very comprehensive search for"?

Yes, adding "very" to "comprehensive search for" can be redundant. "Comprehensive" already implies a thorough and complete search.

What's the difference between "comprehensive search for" and "systematic review of"?

"Comprehensive search for" generally refers to a broad and thorough investigation, while "systematic review of" specifically implies a structured and methodological approach to reviewing existing literature or data.