a thorough explanation of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a thorough explanation of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that a detailed and comprehensive clarification or description of a subject is being provided. Example: "The report includes a thorough explanation of the new policy changes and their implications for employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

* "Year Round Savings," by Julian Block, a tax lawyer, is a concise 45 pages but a thorough explanation of the tax laws.

The New York Times

The introduction provides a thorough explanation of the requirements of kosher food, like making sure meat is cooked until well done so there is no blood.

The New York Times - Food

"Given the billions of dollars taxpayers and consumers have paid for the project, the N.R.C. at the very least owes the public a thorough explanation of today's action".

The New York Times

Then, yesterday, Der Spiegel reported that German Chancellor Angela Merkel asked Mr. Obama "for a thorough explanation of serious indications that U.S. intelligence agencies had declared her private mobile phone to be a target in their operations".

The New York Times

(Many viewers were initially confused by the "Showstealer" watermark, so the Web site TechCrunch offered a thorough explanation of the bit in a blog post that called it "the geekiest gag ever").

The New York Times

–How does this topic still resonate in the United States today? 4. WRAP-UP/HOMEWORK: Each group creates a presentation, in any visual form that they choose, that includes both a creative element and a thorough explanation of the significance of the subject of the presentation within the civil rights movement as a whole.

The New York Times

Masaya is at the center of a well-organized park that features guided tours through volcanic caves, a visitor center with a thorough explanation of the geology, history and ecology of the area, and trails that let you wander around the cone.

The New York Times

Again, at the time and to this day, when you raise the issue, SWP members will give you a thorough explanation of why this is less important than smashing the system, which is where violence against women, indeed all violence, comes from in the first place.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It takes almost 300 pages for the central drama to start unfolding; in the meantime, we get a bewildering array of back-stories, more than one guilty love affair and, most impressively, a thorough explanation of the psychology behind the Japanese prisoners' kamikaze jailbreak.

The Guardian - Books

W. Norton, 1970), which he wrote with Arthur Cantor, a theater producer, was a thorough explanation of how Broadway shows were produced, built and managed, and a lament that the theater was losing its cultural influence, having yielded its primacy in the entertainment world to television and the movies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a thorough explanation of", ensure that the explanation is indeed comprehensive and covers all relevant aspects of the subject. Avoid superficial or incomplete explanations.

Common error

Avoid using "a thorough explanation of" if the subsequent explanation is cursory or lacking in detail. Ensure the explanation lives up to the promise of being thorough.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thorough explanation of" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces or refers to a detailed and comprehensive account or description. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a thorough explanation of" is a versatile noun phrase widely used across various domains, including science, news, and formal writing. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. This phrase introduces detailed and comprehensive accounts, and its effectiveness lies in ensuring clarity and completeness. When using this phrase, aim for comprehensive coverage and avoid superficial details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comprehensive account of

This alternative emphasizes completeness and detail in the description.

a detailed analysis of

This phrase highlights the analytical aspect, focusing on breaking down the subject into its components.

an in-depth examination of

This option suggests a deep and probing exploration of the topic.

a complete exposition of

This alternative emphasizes a clear and comprehensive presentation of information.

a full elaboration of

This phrase focuses on expanding and developing the subject in detail.

an exhaustive treatment of

This option suggests a very detailed and comprehensive approach, leaving no stone unturned.

a meticulous breakdown of

Highlights the careful and precise way in which the subject is dissected and explained.

a painstaking elucidation of

Emphasizes the effort and care taken to clarify and explain the subject.

a rigorous investigation of

Focuses on the thoroughness and accuracy of the examination.

a systematic review of

Indicates a structured and methodical examination of the subject.

FAQs

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

You can use "a thorough explanation of" to introduce a detailed and comprehensive description or clarification of a particular topic. For example: "The manual provides "a thorough explanation of" the software's features."

What are some alternatives to "a thorough explanation of"?

Alternatives include "a detailed analysis of", "a comprehensive account of", or "an in-depth examination of", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "a very thorough explanation of"?

While not strictly redundant, adding "very" can be seen as intensifying the thoroughness. However, the original phrase is already quite strong, so "very" might not add significant value in most cases.

What's the difference between "a thorough explanation of" and "a brief explanation of"?

"A thorough explanation of" implies a detailed and comprehensive description, whereas "a brief explanation of" suggests a concise and summarized version. They represent opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of detail and coverage.