thoroughly investigate

USAGE SUMMARY

"thoroughly investigate" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the need to investigate an issue or situation fully and in detail. For example: "I asked the police to thoroughly investigate the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Our preliminary investigation did not thoroughly investigate the downstream non-coding flanking region and other more distant sites from AR.

Plosone

"We call on the Scottish Health and Safety Executive to thoroughly investigate what has happened here".

The Guardian

It says: "On phone hacking, we believe the police should thoroughly investigate all allegations.

The Guardian

Prime Minister Costas Simitis promised that the police would thoroughly investigate the case.

The New York Times

The 9/11 Commission did not fulfill its mandate to thoroughly investigate the 9/11 attacks.

The New York Times

He promised an internal inquiry to figure out why the agency did not thoroughly investigate.

The New York Times

The inspector general's office takes seriously any allegations against department employees and will thoroughly investigate them".

The New York Times

"What we can do, in their memory, is thoroughly investigate this tragedy and demand accountability".

The New York Times

He added, "We take all these complaints seriously and will thoroughly investigate".

The New York Times

"The MSF report is shocking and the Libyan authorities should thoroughly investigate the claims.

Independent

American counterterrorism specialists at the F.B.I. and the C.I.A. subsequently came under intense pressure to thoroughly investigate the matter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "thoroughly investigate", ensure that the context implies a commitment to detail and a comprehensive approach. This phrase suggests more than a cursory review.

Common error

Avoid using "thoroughly investigate" when a simpler investigation is sufficient. Overstating the need for a thorough investigation can sound unnecessarily bureaucratic or imply a problem is more serious than it is.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thoroughly investigate" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action to be performed with diligence and completeness. It suggests a commitment to a detailed and exhaustive examination of a subject matter. Ludwig shows many examples where this phrase is used in formal and professional contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thoroughly investigate" is a frequently used verb phrase that conveys a commitment to a comprehensive and detailed examination. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the situation genuinely warrants a deep and meticulous inquiry. The related phrases offer alternative ways to express the same concept, adjusting the emphasis on specific aspects of the investigation. Ultimately, using "thoroughly investigate" effectively communicates the intent to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of truth and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conduct an exhaustive investigation

This alternative emphasizes the completeness of the investigation, leaving no stone unturned.

carry out a comprehensive inquiry

This option highlights the systematic nature of the examination.

undertake a detailed examination

This phrase stresses the depth and attentiveness of the scrutiny.

probe deeply into

This suggests a more intense and penetrating investigation.

scrutinize meticulously

This emphasizes the careful and precise nature of the examination.

explore in depth

This implies a comprehensive and far-reaching exploration.

analyze extensively

This highlights the analytical aspect of the investigation.

look into carefully

This phrase offers a more cautious and attentive approach.

get to the bottom of

This alternative focuses on uncovering the root cause or truth.

leave no stone unturned

This is an idiom that emphasizes the complete and exhaustive nature of the investigation.

FAQs

How can I use "thoroughly investigate" in a sentence?

You can use "thoroughly investigate" to emphasize the need for a comprehensive and detailed examination. For example, "The police promised to thoroughly investigate the crime scene".

What are some alternatives to "thoroughly investigate"?

Alternatives include "conduct an exhaustive investigation", "carry out a comprehensive inquiry", or "undertake a detailed examination".

When is it appropriate to use "thoroughly investigate" rather than just "investigate"?

Use "thoroughly investigate" when you want to stress the depth and meticulousness of the investigation. It implies a commitment to examine all aspects of a situation carefully.

Is "thoroughly investigate" formal or informal?

"Thoroughly investigate" is generally considered neutral to formal. It is appropriate for professional, academic, and news-related contexts.