in-depth inquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

"in-depth inquiry" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means a thorough or extensive investigation or examination of a topic or issue. You can use it whenever you want to emphasize the depth and thoroughness of your investigation. Example: The research team carried out an in-depth inquiry into the effects of climate change on marine life, analyzing data from multiple sources and conducting field studies in various regions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Shouldn't we clamor instead for policies that support in-depth inquiry, use of multiple sources and rigorous analysis of historical evidence?

The New York Times

Gen. Raymond A. Thomas III of the United States Army, arrived to conduct an in-depth inquiry for the region's overall military commander, Gen. David H. Petraeus.

The New York Times

Competition authorities are launching an in-depth inquiry into the pork pie, pasty and sausage roll market, after two of the biggest suppliers merged.

The Guardian - Business

The court ordered that Mustafa be detained for eight days while police conduct an in-depth inquiry into Tuesday's takeover of EgyptAir flight MS181.

The Guardian

The time has come for an official and in-depth inquiry into the causes of food poverty and the consequent rise in the usage of foodbanks".

The Guardian

Gen. Raymond A. Thomas III of the United States Army, went to Afghanistan to conduct an in-depth inquiry for the region's overall military commander, Gen. David H. Petraeus.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Read the guide, create your own rankings online, and make your own in-depth inquiries.

The Guardian

It is obvious to all that no prosecutions can be brought many years after the death of the alleged culprit and in-depth inquiries in such cases should be brought to an abrupt end.

The Guardian

With no time to conduct the usual in-depth inquiries into pardon applicants, F.B.I. agents instead just ran the names through bureau computers in search of other possible felony convictions.

The New York Times

The commission, the European Union's antitrust watchdog, announced in June that it was opening four-month in-depth inquiries into both deals, part of a wave of mergers and joint ventures that are reshaping the global media landscape.

The New York Times

Because these tests loom so large for students, faculty often feel pressed to sacrifice in-depth inquiries to cover all of the material likely to be included on the test.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in-depth inquiry", ensure that the subsequent explanation or context reflects a genuinely thorough and detailed investigation, not a superficial overview.

Common error

Avoid using "in-depth inquiry" to describe investigations that are preliminary or lack substantial supporting evidence; this can diminish the credibility of your analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in-depth inquiry" functions as a noun phrase, where "in-depth" modifies the noun "inquiry". It describes the kind of inquiry being conducted, emphasizing its thoroughness and detail, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in-depth inquiry" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies a thorough investigation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and appears across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. To maintain clarity, ensure that the ensuing analysis reflects a truly comprehensive study to match the phrase's implicit promise of detail. Alternatives such as "thorough investigation" or "detailed analysis" can be employed depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thorough investigation

Focuses on the comprehensive nature of the investigation.

extensive examination

Emphasizes the breadth and detail of the analysis.

detailed analysis

Highlights the level of detail involved in the analysis.

comprehensive study

Implies a complete and thorough examination of a subject.

in-depth study

Replaces "inquiry" with study, keeping the meaning intact.

close scrutiny

Suggests careful and critical observation.

rigorous assessment

Highlights the strict and thorough nature of the evaluation.

exhaustive research

Emphasizes the completeness and thoroughness of the research.

probe

Uses a single word suggesting a deep and penetrating investigation.

investigation

Uses a general term for a systematic or formal inquiry.

FAQs

How can I use "in-depth inquiry" in a sentence?

You can use "in-depth inquiry" to describe a thorough investigation, as in, "The committee launched an "in-depth inquiry" into the allegations of fraud".

What can I say instead of "in-depth inquiry"?

Alternatives include "thorough investigation", "extensive examination", or "detailed analysis", depending on the specific context.

Is "in-depth inquiry" a formal phrase?

Yes, "in-depth inquiry" is suitable for formal contexts such as academic papers, business reports, and news articles. It conveys a sense of seriousness and thoroughness.

What's the difference between "in-depth inquiry" and a regular "inquiry"?

An "in-depth inquiry" implies a more thorough and detailed investigation compared to a standard "inquiry". It suggests a comprehensive approach to understanding the subject matter.