thorough inquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thorough inquiry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a detailed and comprehensive investigation or examination of a subject or issue. Example: "The committee conducted a thorough inquiry into the allegations of misconduct."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This also deserves a thorough inquiry.

The New York Times

But some city leaders yesterday called for a thorough inquiry.

The New York Times

The Pentagon needs to make that issue part of a thorough inquiry.

The New York Times

If those boasts are true, then it should welcome a thorough inquiry into war crimes.

The Economist

Arafat's widow, Suha, this week called for a credible and thorough inquiry.

The Guardian

The IPCC said it would carry out a full and thorough inquiry.

The Guardian

"We pledge a thorough inquiry and a full and fair report," Mr. Schneiderman said.

The New York Times

This 10-week inquest has been a fairly thorough inquiry, yet on an unequal field.

The Guardian - Opinion

The regulator then did a thorough inquiry into what had gone wrong.

The Guardian

The mayor of Vieques, Evelyn Delerme Camacho, accused the federal government of deliberately skirting a thorough inquiry.

The New York Times - Science

Skepticism is high in political circles that the Assembly will conduct a thorough inquiry on its own.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When calling for a "thorough inquiry", specify the scope and objectives to ensure the investigation is focused and effective.

Common error

Avoid using "thorough inquiry" as a generic request without clearly defining the subject matter. Ensure the context provides sufficient information about what needs to be investigated and why.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thorough inquiry" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb, such as "conduct", "launch", or "call for". It denotes a demand or promise of a detailed investigation. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thorough inquiry" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that calls for a detailed investigation. Ludwig AI indicates that its usage spans across diverse sources like News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, reflecting its versatility and wide applicability. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the context clearly defines the scope and objectives of the intended investigation to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases such as "comprehensive investigation" or "detailed examination" can be used to express similar meanings, depending on the specific emphasis required. Ultimately, employing "thorough inquiry" effectively demands clarity and purpose, to drive accountability and foster a comprehensive understanding of complex issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comprehensive investigation

This alternative replaces "inquiry" with "investigation" and "thorough" with "comprehensive", emphasizing the scope of the investigation.

detailed examination

This alternative replaces "inquiry" with "examination", focusing on a meticulous and in-depth review.

in-depth analysis

This alternative replaces "inquiry" with "analysis", highlighting a deep and thorough analytical approach.

exhaustive probe

This alternative replaces "thorough" with "exhaustive" and "inquiry" with "probe", suggesting a complete and detailed search for information.

scrupulous investigation

This alternative uses "scrupulous" instead of "thorough", emphasizing diligence and attention to detail in the investigation.

rigorous inquiry

This alternative uses "rigorous" in place of "thorough", indicating a strict and methodical approach to the inquiry.

full investigation

This alternative uses "full" instead of "thorough", implying a complete and unrestricted investigation.

exhaustive study

This alternative uses "study" instead of "inquiry", suggesting a detailed and comprehensive academic analysis.

complete examination

This alternative uses "complete" and "examination" for thoroughness and investigation respectively, offering a formal tone.

systematic review

This alternative emphasizes a structured and methodical approach to the review process.

FAQs

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

You can use "thorough inquiry" to call for a detailed investigation into a specific matter. For example, "The board has promised a "thorough inquiry" into the financial irregularities".

What's the difference between "thorough inquiry" and "cursory investigation"?

A "thorough inquiry" implies a detailed and comprehensive investigation, while a "cursory investigation" suggests a superficial or incomplete examination.

What are some synonyms for "thorough inquiry"?

Alternatives include "comprehensive investigation", "detailed examination", and "in-depth analysis" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to call for a "thorough inquiry"?

It is appropriate when there are serious concerns or allegations that require a detailed and unbiased investigation to uncover the truth and ensure accountability.