research

Careful study of a subject to discover facts or answer questions.

• The research took two years.
• Scientists are doing research into cleaner fuels.
• Their latest research shows that sleep affects memory.

How to use it: research into something (Her research into sleep took three years.); research on something (We need more research on this disease.)

Similar words: study, investigation

Common phrases: do research, medical research, research into something, research on something

To study a subject carefully to discover facts or answer questions.

• I need to research this topic.
• She researched local history for her book.
• They are researching how children learn languages.

How to use it: research something (We researched the history of our town.)

Similar words: study, investigate

Common phrases: research something, research a topic, research family history, research a subject

To look for something with great care and effort.

• She researched the records for clues.
• He researched every cupboard for the missing document.
• They researched the old papers until they found a name.

How to use it: research something (He researched the archives for a missing name.)

Similar words: search, examine

Common phrases: research old records, research the archives