Thorough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Thorough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is complete, detailed, and covers all aspects of a subject or task. Example: "The report was thorough, addressing every point raised during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This absence is at least partially explained by the thorough discrediting of nationalism after nazism and the fact that, unlike further east, communist elites did not become corrupt nouveaux riches (and therefore the subject of a rightwing backlash, as in Hungary, for instance).

The Guardian - Opinion

The archival material which underlay the RTE documentary was therefore taken very seriously by the government and was subject to thorough legal analysis and advice.

The Guardian

Built in an open environment by an expert in-house team and based on thorough research into how people consume news and features, including feedback from readers, the new site was created to provide the best possible ways of finding, reading and engaging with Guardian journalism.

The Guardian

This is not a time for protection of process, but a thorough and confronting dissection of it.

The Guardian - Opinion

We will also undertake a thorough review of NHS costs and funding to ensure the long-term sustainability of the health service".

The Guardian

An IP address that activists have traced to the British government was used to add a paragraph attacking the groups that had called for a thorough investigation into the de Menezes case.

The Guardian - Tech

Delaney said the FAI's board would meet "within the next week" to begin what he promised would be a thorough process while, with the opening Euro 2016 qualifying ties not scheduled to begin until September next year, he suggested that his board had time on their side.

The Guardian - Sport

"After a thorough review of all the material gathered the City of London Police has concluded there is not sufficient evidence to progress a criminal investigation".

The Guardian - Money

But Wada, based in the Canadian city of Montreal, announced on Tuesday morning its intentions to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, following a "thorough examination of the evidence".

The Guardian - Sport

Calling for a thorough investigation, Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein told a special session of the UN human rights council in Geneva this month that his office had received reports of the militants putting children forward as "expendable cannon fodder" for its first line of attack.

The Guardian - Opinion

A week later, Coeur d'Alene police chief Ron Clark announced he had reassigned Kelley to desk duty and promised an immediate, thorough investigation, vowing to do everything in his power to avoid a repeat of the tragedy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "thorough", ensure that the context provides evidence of the completeness or detail implied. For example, specify the scope of a "thorough investigation" or the aspects covered in a "thorough review".

Common error

Avoid using "thorough" as a mere intensifier without backing it up with actual evidence of detail or completeness. Instead of simply stating something is "thorough", demonstrate the depth and comprehensiveness through specific examples or details.

Linguistic Context

The word "thorough" primarily functions as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something done with great care and attention to detail, ensuring completeness. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thorough" is a versatile adjective frequently used across a range of contexts to emphasize completeness and attention to detail. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and common usage make it a reliable choice for expressing comprehensiveness in investigations, reviews, and general analyses. While it maintains a neutral to professional tone, ensuring the context reflects the implied depth is key to effective usage. Related terms like "comprehensive" and "exhaustive" provide alternatives to enrich your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Comprehensive

Indicates completeness and breadth in coverage, similar to "thorough" but emphasizes the inclusion of all relevant details.

Exhaustive

Implies a complete and detailed examination, often to the point of being tiring or tedious.

Detailed

Focuses on the presence of many specific facts and pieces of information.

Painstaking

Highlights the care and effort taken to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Meticulous

Emphasizes extreme attention to detail and precision.

In-depth

Suggests a deep and thorough exploration of a subject.

All-inclusive

Highlights that everything is included; focuses more on inclusion than detail.

Complete

Simple and direct, emphasizing that nothing is missing.

Careful

Indicates attentiveness and caution to avoid errors or omissions.

Rigorous

Stresses the strict and uncompromising nature of an examination or process.

FAQs

How can I use "thorough" in a sentence?

You can use "thorough" to describe an action or process, such as "a "thorough investigation"" or "a "thorough review"". It emphasizes the completeness and detail of the action.

What are some alternatives to the word "thorough"?

Alternatives to "thorough" include "comprehensive", "exhaustive", and "detailed". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "thorough" or "thoroughgoing"?

"Thorough" and "thoroughgoing" are similar, but "thorough" is more common and versatile. "Thoroughgoing" often implies a more radical or complete change or reform.

What does "thorough" mean in the context of research?

In research, "thorough" suggests that the study or analysis was "in-depth", comprehensive, and left no stone unturned in the pursuit of accurate and complete results.