Talk:Get a Clue

Canvass

It's not the most commonly used sense of "canvass"... but it's not an error.

M-W: In addition to the definition: "to examine in detail" there's also the example sentence: "The company canvassed several sites for a new factory."

Anecdotally, I've heard it used in cop shows before. Steelfire (talk) 14:18, 17 January 2018 (EST)

I disagree that the way it's being used in that sample sentence is the same way it's being used in the show, but it's already been removed, so oh well. --abates (talk) 15:48, 17 January 2018 (EST)

The key detail is "several sites". Canvass is checking out several points of reference. "Canvassing the area" has always been a way to say "ask around", i.e. getting opinions or statements from people. It's not a substitute for "investigate". Saix (talk) 16:00, 17 January 2018 (EST)

One definition is "to carefully examine". That fits here. --Khajidha (talk) 16:08, 17 January 2018 (EST)

http://www.yourdictionary.com/canvass