thorough investigation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thorough investigation" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a process of examining something in detail or with great care. Example sentence: The police conducted a thorough investigation into the burglary, interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He promised a thorough investigation.

The New York Times

Let's have a thorough investigation.

The Guardian

"We are running a thorough investigation.

The New York Times

We really do need a thorough investigation.

Independent

A thorough investigation is certainly in order.

The New York Times

"This is not a thorough investigation".

The New York Times

DiSalvo's thorough investigation confirmed his preliminary study.

The New Yorker

It has called for a thorough investigation.

The Guardian

After thorough investigation, we confirmed it was him".

The Guardian

The NFL did a thorough investigation that spanned several months".

The New York Times

This is a troubling pattern and begs a thorough investigation".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "thorough investigation", ensure that the context provides sufficient detail about the scope and objectives of the investigation. This helps to convey the seriousness and commitment to uncovering the truth.

Common error

Avoid using "thorough investigation" when the actual investigation is superficial or incomplete. This can create a false impression and undermine credibility. Instead, opt for a more modest description such as "initial inquiry".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thorough investigation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb (e.g., conduct, launch, demand) or following a preposition (e.g., into, of). As shown by Ludwig, it describes the act of examining something comprehensively.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thorough investigation" is a commonly used noun phrase indicating a comprehensive and rigorous examination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. When writing, remember that a "thorough investigation" implies a commitment to detail and objectivity. Be genuine in your usage and avoid overstating the extent of the inquiry, and be sure to understand the nuances of alternatives like "in-depth inquiry" or "exhaustive probe" to select the most fitting phrase for your specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in-depth inquiry

Focuses on the depth and detail of the examination.

exhaustive probe

Emphasizes the completeness and comprehensiveness of the investigation.

detailed examination

Highlights the level of detail involved in the analysis.

comprehensive study

Suggests a broad and all-encompassing analysis of the subject.

extensive review

Implies a wide-ranging and thorough assessment.

rigorous analysis

Focuses on the strictness and precision of the examination.

full-scale inquiry

Emphasizes the magnitude and scope of the investigation.

complete assessment

Highlights the all-inclusive nature of the evaluation.

systematic review

Emphasizes the structured and methodical approach.

searching inquiry

Indicates a deep and probing investigation to uncover hidden information.

FAQs

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

You can use "thorough investigation" to describe a detailed and comprehensive examination of something. For example, "The company launched a "thorough investigation" into the data breach."

What are some alternatives to "thorough investigation"?

Alternatives include "in-depth inquiry", "exhaustive probe", or "detailed examination". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What makes an investigation "thorough"?

A "thorough investigation" involves a comprehensive examination of all relevant facts and evidence, careful consideration of different perspectives, and a systematic approach to uncovering the truth.

Is "thorough investigation" a formal or informal phrase?

"Thorough investigation" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more commonly used in professional, news-related, or academic settings due to its serious and objective tone.