diligent inquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

"diligent inquiry" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means conducting a thorough and careful investigation or search for information. Example: The detective made a diligent inquiry into the disappearance of the valuable painting. Or The lawyer's diligent inquiry into the case revealed new evidence that changed the course of the trial.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Diligent inquiry"?

The New Yorker

A smart, diligent inquiry into the World War II era and the (possibly culpable) activities of the author's grandfathers, one a Turk interned by the British in Palestine, the other an I.R.A. officer, perhaps a murderer.

The New York Times - Books

Merrill Lynch, to which Mr. Asensio made phone calls and faxed letters before turning to Mr. Spitzer, is "in the process of performing a thorough and diligent inquiry," according to Susan McCabe, a company spokeswoman.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Hamzah was found starved to death in his cot in September 2009 beside his favourite teddy due to the diligent inquiries of a local police officer.

Independent

This is not a body that has any kind of reputation for diligent inquiries since commission posts are considered at best highly paid sinecures.

The New York Times

Diligent research is an everyday task.

The New York Times - Health

Nicolas de La Reynie, whose diligent investigation took three years, headed the inquiry.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It concluded: "Whilst it is arguable that Bernard Hogan-Howe should have been more diligent and cautious in terms of responding to press inquiries, the evidence of [his press officers] tend to support [his] account that an unfortunate mistake was made".

The Guardian - Sport

DealBook »   CME Chief Speaks Out on C.F.T.C. Inquiry  |  "It's easy, but not helpful or fair, to criticize CME Group's diligent and appropriate oversight based on what is now known about how MF Global violated exchange and C.F.T.C. rules," writes the executive chairman of the CME Group.

The New York Times

Whether we like it or not, we need the media to expose the truth – after all, the Leveson inquiry's existence is largely down to the Guardian's dogged investigative journalism rather than any diligent police work.

The Guardian

Very diligent.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "diligent inquiry" to highlight the thoroughness and dedication applied to a search for information, especially when emphasizing the effort involved.

Common error

Avoid using "diligent inquiry" when referring to casual or superficial searches; reserve it for situations involving a detailed and committed investigation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "diligent inquiry" functions as a noun phrase where "diligent" modifies "inquiry". It emphasizes the quality of the inquiry being thorough and careful. Ludwig examples show it used to describe investigations by law enforcement, researchers, or other entities seeking information.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "diligent inquiry" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a thorough and careful investigation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While relatively rare, it appears most frequently in news and encyclopedia sources. When writing, use it to emphasize the meticulous and persistent effort involved in seeking information. Alternatives like "thorough investigation" or "careful examination" can be considered depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember that while the phrase is widely acceptable, reserving it to situations requiring deep investigation is a best practice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assiduous investigation

Replaces "diligent" with a synonym emphasizing persistent effort.

painstaking examination

Underscores the care and effort taken in the examination, almost perfectly interchangeable.

thorough investigation

Focuses on the completeness of the investigation, omitting the emphasis on care and effort.

intensive investigation

Focuses on the depth and intensity of the investigative process.

rigorous scrutiny

Highlights the strictness and thoroughness of the examination.

meticulous probe

Emphasizes precision and detail in the investigation, similar to "diligent inquiry".

conscientious investigation

Highlights the moral dimension of the investigation, implying thoroughness motivated by duty.

searching enquiry

Uses a more formal synonym for "inquiry", emphasizing the act of seeking information thoroughly.

exhaustive study

Focuses on the comprehensiveness of the study, implying that all aspects are covered.

careful examination

Highlights the attentiveness to detail but lacks the explicit investigative aspect.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The police conducted a "diligent inquiry" into the matter" or "Her "diligent inquiry" uncovered important facts.".

What's a good synonym for "diligent inquiry"?

Alternatives include "thorough investigation", "careful examination", or "meticulous probe".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "diligent inquiry"?

Use "diligent inquiry" when you want to emphasize the thoroughness and care taken in an investigation or search for information. It's suitable when the process requires significant effort and attention to detail.

Is "diligent inquiry" formal or informal?

"Diligent inquiry" leans towards the formal side but is appropriate in many professional contexts. It's more formal than a "quick look" but less stilted than "a full and complete accounting".