Be thorough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Be thorough" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when advising someone to pay close attention to detail or to ensure completeness in their work. For example, "When preparing your report, be thorough in your research." Alternative expressions include "Be detailed" and "Be comprehensive."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Be thorough and constructive," Wager adds.

Science Magazine

Be thorough.

Vice

Be thorough, be tough.

Huffington Post

Be thorough even if it takes time and money.

Huffington Post

Be thorough, but quick.

WikiHow

Be thorough but brief.

WikiHow

Be thorough with the syllabus.

WikiHow

Be thorough with your ideas.

WikiHow

Be thorough when eliminating foods.

WikiHow

Be thorough in your selection process.

WikiHow

Be thorough and don't cut corners.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving instructions, use "Be thorough" to emphasize the importance of not overlooking any details. It sets a clear expectation for completeness.

Common error

While "being thorough" is valuable, avoid getting bogged down in unnecessary details. Aim for completeness, not unattainable perfection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Be thorough" functions as an imperative, urging someone to perform an action with careful attention to detail. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, from peer reviewing to eliminating foods from a diet, emphasizing the importance of not missing any aspects.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

44%

News & Media

34%

Science & Research

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Be thorough" is a grammatically sound and commonly used imperative, urging carefulness and completeness. Ludwig AI analysis reveals that its primary function is to advise or instruct, appearing frequently in Wiki articles and News & Media sources. While aiming for thoroughness is beneficial, it's important to strike a balance and avoid perfectionism. Related phrases include "be meticulous" and "be exhaustive".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Be meticulous

Focuses on precision and accuracy in performing a task.

Be exhaustive

Emphasizes completeness and leaving no stone unturned.

Pay attention to detail

Highlights the importance of noticing and addressing small aspects.

Leave no stone unturned

Suggests a comprehensive search or investigation.

Cover all bases

Implies preparing for every possibility to avoid failure.

Dot your i's and cross your t's

Emphasizes careful attention to every small detail.

Go the extra mile

Suggests exceeding expectations and putting in extra effort.

Double-check everything

Implies verifying all aspects to ensure accuracy.

Mind every detail

Focuses on being attentive to even the smallest elements.

Be scrupulous

Emphasizes moral integrity and precision.

FAQs

How to use "Be thorough" in a sentence?

Use "Be thorough" when giving instructions or advice, emphasizing the need for carefulness and attention to detail. For example, "When reviewing the contract, "be thorough" in checking all the clauses."

What can I say instead of "Be thorough"?

You can use alternatives like "Be meticulous", "Be exhaustive", or "pay attention to detail" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "Be thorough" or "Be thoroughly"?

"Be thorough" is correct. "Thorough" is an adjective describing the desired quality of the action, not an adverb modifying the verb. "Be thoroughly" is not grammatically correct in this context.

What's the difference between "Be thorough" and "Be precise"?

"Be thorough" emphasizes completeness and not missing any details, while "Be precise" focuses on accuracy and exactness. Thoroughness ensures nothing is overlooked, while precision ensures everything is accurate.