detailed inquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

"detailed inquiry" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a thorough and comprehensive investigation or examination of a topic or situation. Example: The board of directors launched a detailed inquiry into the company's financial records to uncover any irregularities.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

"We will wait until the committee has finished its detailed inquiry, and we will announce the results at that point".

The New York Times

Lord Hutton outlined a detailed inquiry that will last many months and could put reputations and careers to the test.

The New York Times

Another calls for a detailed inquiry into the death of a doctor who used to treat Mr Kesri.

The Economist

Anderson, who stands down in February, was not formally recommending such changes but believed there should be a more detailed inquiry.

The Guardian

Under European Union rules, the commission is to decide by Thursday whether to clear the deal or conduct a detailed inquiry.

The New York Times

I cannot pre-judge the outcome of our investigation: this is a wide-ranging and detailed inquiry and I expect it to continue for some time".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

A spokesman for Libya's new president, Mohamed Magariaf, did not respond to detailed inquiries by e-mail, and other Libyan military officials did not return phone calls.

The New York Times

"I can reassure any former officers who may have concerns that we have made detailed inquiries to identify all those individuals potentially affected, and will making direct contact with them over the next couple of weeks".

Independent

A State Department spokesman, Mark C. Toner, said Friday that American officials "have been in contact with the Turkish government on this issue," but he referred more detailed inquiries to the F.B.I.

The New York Times

Despite scores of credible reports about possibly misdirected airstrikes and sizable civilian losses -- accounts from the United Nations, aid agencies and journalists -- the military has made detailed inquiries into but a few cases, like the bombing of Red Cross warehouses in Kabul twice within 10 days in October.

The New York Times

And how can I forget the sincere and detailed inquiries about my health and my family?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "detailed inquiry" when emphasizing the thoroughness and depth of an investigation. This phrase is particularly effective in formal reports, legal documents, and academic papers.

Common error

Avoid using "detailed inquiry" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler phrases like "thorough look" or "careful check" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "detailed inquiry" functions as a noun phrase, where "detailed" modifies the noun "inquiry". It describes the type of inquiry being conducted, emphasizing its thoroughness. According to Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "detailed inquiry" is a noun phrase that denotes a thorough and comprehensive investigation. According to Ludwig, it is considered grammatically correct and commonly used in formal contexts such as news reports, scientific research, and encyclopedic entries. While not suitable for casual conversation, it's valuable when the thoroughness of an investigation is to be emphasized. When simpler language is desired, alternatives such as "thorough investigation" or "in-depth analysis" can be used. Ultimately, "detailed inquiry" is a useful phrase for any writer aiming for a formal tone when discussing a thorough examination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thorough investigation

Replaces 'inquiry' with 'investigation', emphasizing a systematic examination.

extensive examination

Substitutes 'inquiry' with 'examination', focusing on a careful inspection.

in-depth analysis

Replaces "detailed inquiry" with a phrase that emphasizes a comprehensive exploration of a subject.

comprehensive study

Similar to "detailed inquiry", this term highlights a broad and thorough analysis.

meticulous review

Focuses on the precision and care taken during the review process, similar to a detailed inquiry.

exhaustive probe

Implies a very thorough and complete investigation, similar to a detailed inquiry.

rigorous assessment

Highlights the strict and thorough nature of the assessment, aligning with the depth of a detailed inquiry.

careful scrutiny

Emphasizes the attentiveness and precision involved in the examination.

close inspection

Indicates a focused and careful examination of something.

full-scale investigation

This alternative suggests a broad and comprehensive investigation, similar in scope to a detailed inquiry.

FAQs

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

You can use "detailed inquiry" to describe a thorough investigation. For example, "The committee launched a "detailed inquiry" into the matter".

What are some alternatives to "detailed inquiry"?

Alternatives include "thorough investigation", "in-depth analysis", or "comprehensive study".

When is it appropriate to use "detailed inquiry" over simpler terms?

Use "detailed inquiry" in formal or professional contexts where you want to emphasize the rigor and thoroughness of the investigation, especially compared to a "quick look" or "brief review".

Is "detailed inquiry" interchangeable with "detailed investigation"?

While similar, "detailed inquiry" often implies a more formal or structured approach than a "detailed investigation", which can be broader in scope.