cursory research

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'cursory research' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a quick overview of a particular topic or area of study. For example: "I conducted a cursory research of the methods available for improving my English grammar before making a decision on which course to take."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Cursory research tells me that many Guardian readers feel the same.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But the most cursory research reveals credible studies both supporting and questioning home birth safety.

The New York Times

Cursory research shows that there are only trace elements of what actually happened (the Bre-X case, as it is called).

The Guardian - Film

Aides to Mr. Obama had done cursory research on the Alaska governor as her name bounced around as a possible McCain running mate in some conservative circles.

The New York Times

I conducted some cursory research, but was unable to break the cipher before finishing my degree and heading to Texas A&M University for my doctoral studies.

The New York Times

The fact that they haven't done this cursory research reflects the fact that denial is a central trope of the series.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

For many business leaders looking to revamp their SEO efforts, the first step is to go toGoogle AdWords Keyword Planner and do some cursory keyword research.

HuffPost

Other claims particularly the accusations of cartelisation and manipulation of the law are serious enough to deserve more evidence than the cursory references to "research" that are offered.

The Economist

A cursory bit of research reveals that helium is an inert, noble gas, meaning it's largely harmless for humans in a chemical sense, in that it won't poison you or anything because it's so stable and unreactive.

The Guardian

These eight Republican politicians either think you are too stupid or too lazy to do even the most cursory fact-checking research on their increasingly hysterical claims.

HuffPost

A sucker for an afro-ed woman, I made my way to the venue, Underground Arts, having done a cursory amount of research and listening to the band's Soundcloud page in advance.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cursory research", acknowledge its limitations. Clearly state that the findings are preliminary and may require further investigation for a comprehensive understanding.

Common error

Avoid presenting conclusions based on "cursory research" as definitive or comprehensive. Always frame the results as preliminary insights rather than conclusive evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cursory research" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective 'cursory' modifies the noun 'research'. It describes the nature or quality of the research being conducted. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

27%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cursory research" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes a quick, superficial investigation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers numerous examples from reputable sources across News & Media, Science, and Academia. While useful for gaining a general overview, remember to acknowledge its limitations and avoid overstating findings. Alternatives like "preliminary investigation" or "quick inquiry" can be used depending on the desired nuance. When using this term it's beneficial to clarify its limitations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cursory investigation

Replaces "research" with "investigation", maintaining the meaning of a quick and not very detailed examination.

preliminary investigation

Focuses on the initial stage of inquiry, implying a more formal process than "cursory research".

brief study

Emphasizes the concise nature of the research, highlighting its limited scope.

quick inquiry

Highlights the speed of the investigation, suggesting a rapid gathering of information.

superficial analysis

Stresses the lack of depth in the analysis, indicating a surface-level understanding.

basic fact-checking

Specifies the purpose of the research as verifying fundamental information.

initial assessment

Implies an evaluation conducted at the start of a process, suggesting further investigation may be needed.

light exploration

Suggests a gentle and non-intensive examination of a topic.

high-level overview

Focuses on providing a general understanding without delving into specifics.

surface-level examination

Emphasizes the lack of in-depth investigation, similar to superficial analysis.

FAQs

What does "cursory research" mean?

"Cursory research" refers to a quick and superficial investigation of a topic, often lacking in depth and detail.

How to use "cursory research" in a sentence?

Example: After some "cursory research", I decided to visit Rome.

What can I say instead of "cursory research"?

You can use alternatives like "preliminary investigation", "brief study", or "quick inquiry" depending on the context.

When is "cursory research" sufficient, and when is more in-depth research needed?

"Cursory research" is suitable for gaining a general understanding or making quick decisions. More in-depth research is necessary when accuracy and comprehensiveness are critical, such as in academic papers or strategic planning.