exhaustive inquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exhaustive inquiry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a thorough and comprehensive investigation or examination of a subject or issue. Example: "The researchers conducted an exhaustive inquiry into the effects of climate change on local ecosystems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

After exhaustive inquiry the only natural conclusion we have sadly reached is that Paige is dead.

The Guardian

Mr Shahzad's family, along with journalists across the country, have demanded that an exhaustive inquiry be completed into the killing.

Independent

The Shinnecocks' group-mindedness has been reinforced by the process of applying for federal recognition, which entails an exhaustive inquiry into who belongs to the tribe.

The New Yorker

The panel said it would be improper for the judicial branch to launch an exhaustive inquiry into the conditions of Mr. Hamdi's capture, as his lawyers had requested.

The New York Times

He also disclosed he had telephoned the father of Linda Norgrove, the British aid worker killed during a US attempt to rescue her in Afghanistan, to offer condolences and promise an exhaustive inquiry into her death.

Independent

A statement released by the Defense Ministry said that Mr. Leiderman was scheduled to end his post in two months and that after an exhaustive inquiry, the Israelis had found that the allegations against him were without foundation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Despite exhaustive inquiries, reporters have failed to answer what might be called the Francis Fukuyama question.

The Guardian

Even if an ombudsman were justified and, despite exhaustive inquiries, we have yet to see the evidence, what would be its function?

The Guardian - Opinion

In an email, a bank representative said: "Regrettably, despite extensive and exhaustive inquiries, I have not been able to identify why this problem occurred".

The Guardian - Money

ANNALS OF MEDICINE about the smog that blanketed the city of Donora, Pa., for 4 days in Oct., 1948, and struck down nearly 6,000 people and killed 20, and the subsequent investigation of the visitation, which lasted almost a year; one of the most exhaustive inquiries of any kind ever mad in the field of public health.

The New Yorker

By Berton Roueché The New Yorker, September 30 , 1950P. 33 ANNALS OF MEDICINE about the smog that blanketed the city of Donora, Pa., for 4 days in Oct., 1948, and struck down nearly 6,000 people and killed 20, and the subsequent investigation of the visitation, which lasted almost a year; one of the most exhaustive inquiries of any kind ever mad in the field of public health.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exhaustive inquiry", ensure that the context clearly indicates the depth and comprehensiveness of the investigation being described. Use it when you want to emphasize that all possible avenues have been explored.

Common error

Avoid using "exhaustive inquiry" if the investigation was limited in scope or resources. Ensure the term accurately reflects the depth and breadth of the inquiry to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exhaustive inquiry" functions as a noun phrase, where "exhaustive" modifies the noun "inquiry". It specifies the type of inquiry, emphasizing its thorough and comprehensive nature. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

20%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exhaustive inquiry" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed term, denoting a thorough and comprehensive investigation. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage is correct and appropriate in various contexts, primarily in news and media, formal business settings, and encyclopedic entries. The term signifies that an investigation has been conducted with meticulous detail, exploring every possible angle. When crafting your writing, it's crucial to ensure the context aligns with the term's intensity, avoiding its use for limited or superficial investigations. Alternatives such as "thorough investigation" or "detailed examination" may offer similar meanings with subtle nuances. Remember that it accurately reflects the depth and breadth of the inquiry.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thorough investigation

Emphasizes the detailed and comprehensive nature of the investigation.

detailed examination

Focuses on the in-depth analysis and scrutiny involved.

comprehensive study

Highlights the breadth and completeness of the research or analysis.

in-depth analysis

Stresses the depth and thoroughness of the analytical process.

extensive review

Implies a broad and far-reaching assessment of the subject.

rigorous assessment

Highlights the strict and meticulous nature of the evaluation.

complete probe

Emphasizes the thoroughness and finality of the investigation.

full-scale inquiry

Suggests a large and comprehensive investigation.

wide-ranging investigation

Focuses on the broad scope and coverage of the inquiry.

diligent research

Highlights the care and effort put into the research process.

FAQs

What does "exhaustive inquiry" mean?

An "exhaustive inquiry" refers to a thorough and comprehensive investigation or examination, where every possible avenue and detail is explored to uncover all relevant information.

How to use "exhaustive inquiry" in a sentence?

You might say, "The police conducted an "exhaustive inquiry" into the crime", indicating a thorough investigation. Or, "The committee launched an "exhaustive inquiry" into the company's financial practices".

What are some synonyms for "exhaustive inquiry"?

Alternatives include "thorough investigation", "detailed examination", or "comprehensive study". Each emphasizes a different aspect of the inquiry, such as its thoroughness, detail, or scope.

When is it appropriate to use the term "exhaustive inquiry"?

Use "exhaustive inquiry" when you want to stress that the investigation was extremely thorough and left no stone unturned. It's suitable when describing investigations that involve significant resources, time, and effort.