a thorough background

USAGE SUMMARY

"a thorough background" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to research that has been done in order to learn about a certain topic. For example, "The professor conducted a thorough background in order to understand the economic status of the country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

It, too, was to have included a thorough background check and biometric identity card.

The New York Times

"We thought we did a thorough background check on both kids before, and both came highly recommended," Green said.

The New York Times - Sports

A buyer must first pass a thorough background check and apply for a permit that costs nearly as much as an ordinary firearm.

The Economist

He never applied for a permanent pass, known as a "hard pass," which is granted after a thorough background check by the Secret Service and has much tighter restrictions, Mr. McClellan said.

The New York Times

In Canada, the name Marc Lépine — he shot fourteen women in 1989 — is tied to gun laws that required gun owners to undergo a thorough background check, register their weapons, and take a course in firearms safety.

The New Yorker

Had Mr. Braswell's application followed the traditional route, it almost certainly would have been rejected quickly, legal experts said, because the F.B.I. would have conducted a thorough background investigation, and learned of the criminal inquiry.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

The same information will be provided as when you purchase any FFL firearm, but there will also likely be a waiting period and a more thorough background check completed into your record.

WikiHow

And though on the lam, he applied for the job under a fake name, Jehad Almustafa — one that all but guaranteed a pretty thorough background check.

The New Yorker

You can conduct a more thorough background check and find out whether the person has a criminal record, etc. Figure out what you think should disqualify people.

WikiHow

Some vetting process; CTU's Human Resources department on "24" performs a more thorough background check on new hires than dog owners do.

Huffington Post

In addition to all the written tests and the hands-on exams, you'll need to pass a pretty thorough background check.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a thorough background", ensure that the subsequent text reflects the depth and breadth of information implied by the phrase. Provide sufficient detail and context to support the claim of thoroughness.

Common error

Avoid using "a thorough background" if the information presented is actually superficial or lacks sufficient depth. This can mislead readers and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thorough background" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "thorough" is an adjective modifying the noun "background". It describes the quality or extent of the background information provided, as supported by Ludwig's AI, which confirms its correct usage. Examples show it often precedes explanations or justifications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a thorough background" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a comprehensive understanding of a topic. As Ludwig AI indicates, it serves as a noun phrase highlighting the depth and breadth of information. It's frequently found in news, scientific, and wiki contexts, suggesting a level of formality suitable for professional and academic environments. When using this phrase, ensure that the subsequent content delivers on the promise of thoroughness, providing sufficient detail to justify its use. Remember, while many related phrases exist, each carries slightly different nuances and should be selected based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in-depth knowledge

Highlights the depth of knowledge acquired.

comprehensive understanding

Emphasizes the resulting understanding rather than the information itself.

substantial foundation

Emphasizes the foundational aspect of the knowledge.

solid grounding

Suggests a firm and reliable base of knowledge.

extensive preparation

Focuses on the preparatory aspect rather than the informational depth.

exhaustive investigation

Emphasizes the completeness of the inquiry.

detailed exploration

Focuses on the process of investigating something in detail.

broad overview

Highlights the breadth of information covered.

complete briefing

Suggests a concise but full overview of a topic.

profound insight

Focuses on deep understanding and perception.

FAQs

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

You can use "a thorough background" to describe the depth of knowledge or research one possesses. For example, "The report provides "a thorough background" on the history of the company."

What are some alternatives to saying "a thorough background"?

Alternatives include "extensive preparation", "comprehensive understanding", or "in-depth knowledge", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "a detailed background" and "a thorough background"?

"A detailed background" implies the presence of many specific facts, while "a thorough background" suggests a more complete and comprehensive understanding of the subject. "A thorough background" is more about the depth of the investigation.

Is it better to have "a broad overview" or "a thorough background"?

It depends on the purpose. "A broad overview" is suitable for quickly grasping the main points, while "a thorough background" is necessary for a deep understanding and analysis. A "thorough background" gives a more complete view of the subject.