sieved through

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sieved through" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a way of saying that you have carefully examined or studied something, or that you have thoroughly investigated or researched it. For example: "I spent hours sieving through all the data to find the answer I needed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or riddled like soil that has been lovingly sieved through a garden riddle?

The Guardian

It's the language of porn as sieved through an underpowered confused feminist consciousness.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sediment and associated invertebrates were sieved through a 0.25 mm mesh sieve.

Nature

The resulting Nb2AlC was then pulverized and sieved through a 400-mesh screen.

Nature

Finally, the powders were ground and sieved through a 170-mesh sieve before using.

Nature

The resulting Ti3AlC2 was then pulverized and sieved through a 325-mesh screen.

Nature

The calcined HA powders were then ground and sieved through 250 mesh sieves.

Nature

Each soil sample was homogenised and sieved through 2 mm mesh.

Nature

Samples were sieved through 0.25 mm mesh screens in the field.

Nature

Reticular samples were sieved through a 1-mm sieve before isolation of digesta phases and bacteria.

Journal of Dairy Science

They wind up sieved through the baleen of a whale or otherwise consumed by birds, seals and other animals.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sieved through" when you want to convey the idea of carefully examining or filtering something, whether it's data, information, or physical material. Be mindful of the context to ensure it aligns with the sense of careful selection and separation.

Common error

Avoid using "sieved through" when a simpler term like "filtered" or "examined" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or pretentious. Reserve it for situations where the filtering or examination process is particularly meticulous or discriminating.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sieved through" functions as a compound verb phrase, where "sieved" acts as the verb and "through" as a preposition. This construction typically modifies a noun, indicating a process of filtering or careful examination. As Ludwig confirms, it is a valid and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

77%

News & Media

19%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sieved through" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that signifies the process of meticulously filtering or examining something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, it conveys a sense of careful selection or separation. While alternatives like "filtered through" or "screened through" exist, "sieved through" maintains its distinct nuance of thorough examination, particularly in more technical or literal contexts. It's important to use this phrase judiciously, ensuring it fits the tone and complexity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

filtered through

Replaces "sieved" with a synonym, maintaining the sense of selective passage.

screened through

Similar to filtering, emphasizing a selective examination.

passed through

More general term, but still implies a selective process.

examined closely

Shifts focus to the act of careful inspection.

carefully scrutinized

Emphasizes the element of caution and thoroughness in the examination.

analyzed meticulously

Highlights a thorough and detailed analysis.

winnowed through

Suggests separating valuable parts from less desirable ones.

processed diligently

Focuses on the active transformation of information or materials.

gone through with a fine-tooth comb

Idiomatic expression for thorough examination.

put through the wringer

Idiomatic expression implying a rigorous and often harsh process.

FAQs

How can I use "sieved through" in a sentence?

You can use "sieved through" to describe a careful examination or filtering process, as in "The evidence was "sieved through" to find the relevant facts" or "The proposals were "sieved through" to identify the best options".

What are some alternatives to "sieved through"?

Some alternatives to "sieved through" include "filtered through", "passed through", "screened through", and "examined closely". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "sieved through" formal or informal?

"Sieved through" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is perhaps more common in scientific or technical writing.

What's the difference between "sieved through" and "filtered through"?

While similar, "sieved through" often implies a more physical process of separating materials, while "filtered through" can be used more abstractly to describe the selection or refinement of information or ideas. They are often interchangeable, but the nuance can vary depending on the context.