a thorough explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a thorough explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe an explanation that is detailed and comprehensive. Example: "The teacher provided a thorough explanation of the complex topic, ensuring that all students understood the material."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He writes in a rather archaic German, riddled with obscure references which require a thorough explanation.

Stanford University

I begin this unit with a thorough explanation of where our water supply comes from.

Yale University

A thorough explanation of the programming steps and how to use the maplet is given.

Computer Physics Communications

In the absence of a thorough explanation, many Afghans appeared to disregard Mr. Fitrat's pleas.

The New York Times

Veering from those procedures, he testified, would require a thorough explanation.

The New York Times

Gov. Patrick J. Quinn said Mr. Burris owed the public a thorough explanation, saying, "The more sunlight the better".

The New York Times

A thorough explanation of the framework is presented, along with a specific two-dimensional implementation for a model metallic glass.

Acta Materialia

It provides a thorough explanation of both unideminsional and multidimensional IRT models, highlighting each model's conceptual development, and assumptions.

Columbia University

It is helpful for a thorough explanation of the observed pilot-plant reactor performance and designing in industrial process.

Chemical Engineering Journal

This chapter gives a thorough explanation of these analytical techniques and their application through some illustrating examples.

Nonlinear Systems in Heat Transfer Mathematical Modeling and Analytical Methods

(See this report (pdf) for a thorough explanation of their horrors, and this column by Tom Edsall).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a thorough explanation", ensure that the subsequent details genuinely provide a complete and well-supported understanding of the subject. Avoid using the phrase if the explanation is superficial or incomplete.

Common error

Avoid using "a thorough explanation" as mere filler. If you promise a thorough explanation, deliver it; otherwise, opt for less emphatic wording like "an overview" or "a summary".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thorough explanation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., "provide", "give", "require") or as a complement to a noun. It denotes that detailed information or a comprehensive account will be provided to clarify a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a thorough explanation" is a versatile and grammatically sound noun phrase used to indicate a detailed and comprehensive account of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms that is widely used across various fields like science, news, and academia. While the phrase itself is neither strictly formal nor informal, its usage implies a commitment to providing substantive and well-supported information. When employing "a thorough explanation", ensure that the subsequent details genuinely provide a complete understanding, avoiding superficiality or over-promising. Alternatives include "a detailed explanation" or "a comprehensive explanation", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a detailed explanation

Focuses on the level of detail provided.

an in-depth explanation

Emphasizes the depth and complexity of the explanation.

a comprehensive explanation

Highlights the completeness and all-encompassing nature of the explanation.

a complete account

Suggests a full and exhaustive narration or description.

a full exposition

Implies a formal and detailed presentation of facts or ideas.

a painstaking account

Suggests a thoroughness driven by diligence and care.

a meticulous account

Indicates the thoroughness and attention to detail.

a rigorous explanation

Implies the explanation is methodically thorough and without errors

an elaborate explanation

Highlights a complex and detailed nature of the explanation.

a scrupulous explanation

Highlights a highly moral and thorough standard for the explanation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a thorough explanation" when introducing a detailed account of something. For example, "The manual provides "a thorough explanation" of the device's functionality."

What's a good alternative to "a thorough explanation"?

Alternatives include "a detailed explanation", "an in-depth explanation", or "a comprehensive explanation" depending on the level of detail and scope you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a thorough explanation"?

It's best to use "a thorough explanation" when the context requires a comprehensive and detailed understanding of a topic, process, or concept. It's suitable for academic papers, technical manuals, and complex reports.

Is "a thorough explanation" formal or informal?

"A thorough explanation" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. However, be sure that the actual explanation lives up to the promise of being thorough, especially in more formal settings.