vigorous search

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vigorous search" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to an extensive and thorough search, especially for a particular item or information. For example: "We conducted a vigorous search throughout the house, but unfortunately we couldn't find the missing keys."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

That could reflect a more vigorous search for cases than in previous years, or it could be alarming evidence that the virus has become more virulent and is able to make people sick who would previously have been unaffected.

The New York Times

The vigorous search for violators of Sun City's age rules is about more than keeping loud, boisterous, graffiti-scrawling rug rats from spoiling residents' golden years, although that is part of it.

The New York Times

And as colonial police conduct a "vigorous search for terrorists" – though the bewildered men being dragged from their homes at gunpoint look more like Captain Renault's "usual suspects" in Casablanca – the presenter complains that "once again fanatics intervene and make matters worse".

The Guardian - Opinion

The work served an important purpose even if very few people were found to have survived, officials said, because it helped some of the firefighters move past the horrors of the previous day, when they watched so many get hurt and were then prevented by unstable buildings from embarking on a vigorous search.

The New York Times

In the absence of such a law, though, we could really use a vigorous search for some areas of agreement where conservatives and liberals can coalesce around ways to bring budgets back into line.Which is why I was pleased to read Reihan Salam's post yesterday on the current state of the stimulus-versus-deficit-cut debate, and notably whether the ARRA stimulus bill last spring was effective.

The Economist

To complement the vigorous search for novel hydrogen storage materials, efforts focused on system implementation of candidate compounds are important parallel activities to identify new or reprioritized system challenges and assess overall performance.

Journal of Alloys and Compounds

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

They pressed for a drastic reform of the church hierarchy and church courts, a purging of residual Catholic elements in the prayer book and ritual, and a vigorous searching out and persecution of recusants.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After vigorous searching, and embracing every opportunity, Carmela and her husband, both in their mid thirties had two options; stay in Mexico and wait for the economy to improve, or immigrate to the United States to search for a better life.

Huffington Post

November 12, 1922 Zhytomyr, Ukraine July 3, 1951 Warsaw, Poland Tadeusz Borowski, (born November 12 , 1922 Zhitomir, Ukrainian S.S.R. [now Zhytomyr, Ukraine] died July 3 , 1951 Warsaw, Poland) Polish poet and short-story writer noted for his vigorous, desperate search for moral values that might withstand such realities as the horrors of the Nazi occupation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Collins said that after "a vigorous international search," NIH selected Austin, 51, who now heads NCATS' division of preclinical innovation.

Science Magazine

He said that customers trying to get to the Rainbow Room, an Art Deco landmark with a sweeping view of the city, had been put through "increasingly vigorous" security searches causing delays at the base of the elevator bank serving the restaurant.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vigorous search", ensure the context reflects a genuinely thorough and active investigation. Avoid using it for routine or superficial searches.

Common error

Don't use "vigorous search" to describe simple lookups or casual inquiries. Reserve it for situations where a dedicated, thorough, and active search is demonstrably taking place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vigorous search" functions as a noun phrase, where "vigorous" is an adjective modifying the noun "search". It denotes a thorough and energetic effort to find something, whether tangible or intangible. Ludwig AI provides various examples of its usage across different domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vigorous search" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a thorough and energetic investigation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples of its usage in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts. While versatile, it's crucial to use it appropriately, reserving it for instances where the search is genuinely intense and comprehensive. Alternatives like "thorough investigation" or "intensive exploration" can be used to vary your language, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase is generally neutral to formal in register, making it suitable for a variety of professional and academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

energetic investigation

Similar to the original, but with a stronger emphasis on the energy involved.

thorough investigation

Emphasizes the completeness and meticulousness of the search.

intensive exploration

Highlights the depth and intensity of the search process.

diligent inquiry

Stresses the careful and persistent nature of the search.

exhaustive examination

Focuses on the comprehensiveness of the search, leaving no stone unturned.

comprehensive sweep

Indicates a wide-ranging and thorough search of an area or subject.

determined pursuit

Highlights the resolve and persistence in the search effort.

aggressive probing

Suggests a forceful and assertive approach to the search.

in-depth analysis

Focuses on the detailed and profound nature of the search.

arduous exploration

Emphasizes the difficulty and effort involved in the search process.

FAQs

How to use "vigorous search" in a sentence?

You can use "vigorous search" to describe a thorough and energetic investigation, as in, "The police conducted a vigorous search of the premises."

What can I say instead of "vigorous search"?

You can use alternatives like "thorough investigation", "intensive exploration", or "diligent inquiry" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "vigorous search" or "intensive search"?

Both "vigorous search" and "intensive search" are correct, but "vigorous search" emphasizes the energy and activity of the search, while "intensive search" highlights its depth and focus.

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

A "vigorous search" is thorough and energetic, while a "cursory search" is quick and superficial. They represent opposite approaches to searching.