I was thorough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was thorough" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a past action where you ensured that every detail was attended to or considered. Example: "In my report, I was thorough in my analysis of the data, leaving no stone unturned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I wanted to make sure I was thorough with it.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I'm thorough.

The New York Times

Yes, yes, thank you, I am thorough, yes.

The New York Times - Magazine

I'm thorough, a realist, a pragmatist and I'm honest.

The Guardian - Sport

My children and husband say I'm thorough when giving advice.

Huffington Post

I think it's thorough, astute & - for anyone interested in group psychology - fascinating.

The Guardian

Perhaps it is thorough.

TechCrunch

I thought their game plan was thorough and they didn't allow us too much space behind their defenders.

BBC

He was thorough in his evaluation of the previous coach, and I think he was thorough in the way he led the search".

The New York Times - Sports

Kurt was thorough and precise.

The Guardian - Opinion

Carroll's medical was thorough.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process, follow "I was thorough" with specific examples to showcase your attention to detail and the extent of your efforts. For instance: "I was thorough in my research, consulting multiple sources and cross-referencing data to ensure accuracy."

Common error

Avoid simply stating "I was thorough" without providing supporting evidence. This can sound boastful and lack credibility. Always back up the claim with concrete examples of your diligence and attention to detail.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was thorough" functions as a declarative statement expressing a past action. It asserts that the speaker or writer performed a task or process with completeness and attention to detail. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was thorough" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that indicates a commitment to completeness and accuracy in a past action. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct. While suitable for various registers, it's most frequently found in news, business, and scientific contexts. To maximize its impact, provide specific examples to support the claim of being thorough. Alternatives such as "I was meticulous" or "I left no stone unturned" offer nuanced ways to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I made sure to be meticulous

Replaces "thorough" with "meticulous", highlighting precision and carefulness.

I ensured comprehensive coverage

Focuses on the extent of coverage rather than personal attribute.

I left no stone unturned

An idiomatic expression emphasizing a complete and exhaustive search or investigation.

I saw to every detail

Emphasizes attention to individual elements.

I investigated exhaustively

Focuses on the depth and completeness of the investigation.

I conducted an exhaustive review

Similar to previous, but emphasizes the reviewing process.

I performed a complete check

Highlights the action of checking something in its entirety.

I went into great depth

Focuses on the level of detail explored.

I handled it comprehensively

Highlights the way something was managed or dealt with.

I was extremely diligent

Replaces "thorough" with "diligent", focusing on the careful and persevering effort.

FAQs

What does it mean to say "I was thorough"?

Saying "I was thorough" means you were diligent and careful, ensuring that you covered all aspects of a task or investigation, leaving no detail overlooked. It suggests a commitment to completeness and accuracy.

How can I use "I was thorough" in a sentence?

You can use "I was thorough" to describe your approach to a task: "In my analysis of the data, "I was thorough" in examining every possible variable."

What are some alternatives to saying "I was thorough"?

Alternatives include "I was meticulous", "I was comprehensive", or "I left no stone unturned", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "I was thorough" or "I am thorough" in a resume?

Using "I was thorough" is appropriate when describing a past project or experience. For a general skill statement, consider rephrasing to highlight results rather than stating traits (e.g. "My analyses are thorough" or "I am thorough").