thorough search

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thorough search" is correct and commonly used in written English.
Here are some examples: 1. The detective conducted a thorough search of the crime scene for any evidence. 2. The company's human resources department conducts a thorough search of job candidates before making a hiring decision. 3. The rescue team launched a thorough search of the mountain in hopes of finding the missing hikers. 4. The teacher asked her students to do a thorough search of the library before starting their research projects. 5. After a thorough search of his emails, he finally found the contract he was looking for.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"A thorough search.

The Economist

"A thorough search of the scene … did not reveal human remains," he said.

The Guardian

Laporta considered Johan Cruyff but had been persuaded otherwise and a thorough search began.

The Guardian - Sport

We survive the luggage inspectors, getting through their thorough search without having to bribe them.

The New York Times

He says there has been a "very thorough search of the 20-block interior".

The Guardian

The executive aware of the negotiations said: "The West Coast really wanted a thorough search.

The New York Times

After a thorough search outside the plane, the guards shouted, "Walk!

The Guardian

We have already carried out a thorough search of our written records.

The Guardian

However, a thorough search of the meter cupboard, wardrobe and chest of drawers revealed nothing.

The Guardian - Books

On Friday night, the house remained too unstable for the authorities to conduct a thorough search.

The New York Times

LOANS AND GRANTS Before you borrow, do a thorough search for grants and scholarships.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a search, specify what the search is for (e.g., "a thorough search for evidence") to provide context and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "thorough search" as a generic phrase. Always specify the object of the search to make your writing more informative and engaging. For example, instead of just saying "they conducted a thorough search", specify "they conducted a thorough search of the database for relevant articles".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thorough search" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "thorough" modifies the noun "search". It describes the quality and extent of a search process. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thorough search" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term to describe a detailed and comprehensive examination. As Ludwig AI's analysis indicates, it appears frequently in News & Media, Science and Wiki contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it's best practice to specify the object of the search for enhanced clarity. Alternatives such as "exhaustive investigation" or "detailed examination" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. By avoiding overuse and providing sufficient context, you can effectively use the phrase "thorough search" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exhaustive investigation

Replaces "search" with "investigation", implying a more formal and systematic examination.

detailed examination

Substitutes "search" with "examination", focusing on the level of detail involved.

comprehensive review

Uses "review" instead of "search", suggesting a broader assessment of available information.

in-depth analysis

Emphasizes the analytical aspect of the search process.

meticulous inspection

Highlights the careful and precise nature of the search or examination.

careful exploration

Suggests a deliberate and cautious approach to uncovering information.

complete scan

Implies a systematic and all-encompassing search.

wide-ranging inquiry

Indicates a broad and extensive investigation into a matter.

diligent investigation

Emphasizes the effort and persistence involved in the search.

painstaking scrutiny

Highlights the meticulous and attentive nature of the examination.

FAQs

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

You can use "thorough search" to describe a comprehensive examination or investigation, such as "The police conducted a "thorough search" of the premises for clues" or "The researchers performed a "thorough search" of the literature for relevant studies".

What are some synonyms for "thorough search"?

Some synonyms for "thorough search" include "exhaustive search", "detailed examination", and "comprehensive review". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very thorough search"?

While "thorough" already implies a high degree of completeness, using "very thorough search" can add emphasis, especially when stressing the intensity or comprehensiveness of the search. However, consider whether a stronger alternative, like "exhaustive search", might be more effective.

What's the difference between "thorough search" and "cursory search"?

A "thorough search" implies a comprehensive and detailed examination, leaving no stone unturned. In contrast, a "cursory search" is a quick and superficial examination, often lacking depth and attention to detail.