Grammar fix
comb through
search systematically
To search through material very carefully and systematically for a particular detail.
phrasal verb
How oftenCommon
LevelC1
Used inSpeech & writing
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
The accountant combed through the figures to find the source of the error.
When I was applying for scholarships, I combed through the requirements because missing one document could have ruined the whole application.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: I combed out the report for the missing reference.
Say: I combed through the report for the missing reference.
For searching, use 'comb through' (or just 'comb'); 'comb out' is for hair.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Search a lot of material for something
How exhaustiveSelectiveExhaustive
sift throughSeparating relevant information from a large amount of material.trawl throughEspecially British: searching through extensive material for useful information.
comb throughYou're here · Searching material systematically and very carefully.