a thorough response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a thorough response" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when requesting or describing a detailed and comprehensive answer to a question or issue. Example: "I appreciate your efforts, but I would like a thorough response to my inquiry regarding the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Gautier reports that the poet "could not conceive why the doctors should be concerned" with his behavior, and even had a thorough response for the curious: "Why should a lobster be any more ridiculous than a dog?

The New Yorker

David Lewis (1988) undertakes a thorough response to the knowledge argument.

SEP

A thorough response to either of these scenarios was defined as one which included: a discussion of correct condom use, the offer of a condom demonstration (to both young women and young men), assessment of STI exposure, STI/HIV counselling and testing, or referral.

Global Health Action

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Ezra Klein and Ben Smith are already talking about the essay, and Jeff Goldberg promises a more thorough response soon.

The New Yorker

I was worried that his reply might have disappointed the advice-seekers, and thought concerned parents of aspiring poets everywhere deserved a more thorough response.

The New Yorker

The dominant theory held that alum particles bind the antigen--the vaccine's main ingredient--on their surfaces, presenting them more slowly to the immune system and thus ensuring a more thorough response.

Science Magazine

"Unfortunately, litigation often seems to be necessary in order to compel a fair and thorough response to a FOIA request," explained Steven Aftergood, the director of the Federation of American Scientists Projectt on Government Secrecy.

Vice

Once it has been established that an emergency condition exists, there must be a prompt and thorough response for communicable disease control.

Turkish Journal of Emergency Medicine

The home secretary, Theresa May, said: "I am determined to see a swift and thorough response to the findings of the Hillsborough panel to deliver justice for the 96 football fans who died and the families who have fought so hard on their behalf".

The Guardian - Sport

We all deserve a prompt, transparent, and thorough response from Keith and I ask him to respond without delay.

Huffington Post

Dewey did not provide a thorough, systematic response to the question of how an instrumentalist determines the difference between good and evil.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When requesting information, specify that you need "a thorough response" to ensure you receive a complete and well-reasoned answer, especially when dealing with complex topics.

Common error

Avoid using "a thorough response" when a concise answer is more appropriate. Using this phrase implies a need for detail and comprehensiveness, so make sure the context warrants such an extensive reply.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thorough response" functions as a noun phrase, where "thorough" acts as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "response". As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is generally accepted and used in various contexts to describe the quality of an answer.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33.33%

News & Media

33.33%

Wiki

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a thorough response" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe or request a comprehensive and detailed answer. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears across various contexts, including science and news media, suggesting a register that is neutral to formal. When using this phrase, ensure the context calls for a detailed explanation rather than a brief answer. Alternatives such as "a comprehensive answer" or "a detailed reply" can be used to convey similar meanings, depending on the specific nuance you wish to emphasize.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comprehensive answer

Focuses on the completeness and broad scope of the reply, differing slightly in emphasis from the original phrase.

a detailed reply

Highlights the inclusion of specific information and particulars in the answer.

a complete explanation

Emphasizes that all aspects of the matter have been addressed.

an exhaustive account

Suggests a very comprehensive and detailed report.

a full answer

Indicates that the response covers all points or questions.

a painstaking reply

Emphasizes the care and diligence taken in crafting the answer.

a scrupulous response

Suggests a response crafted with great attention to detail and accuracy.

a well-developed answer

Indicates that the answer has been thoughtfully constructed.

an elaborate reply

Suggests a response that is detailed and complex.

an in-depth explanation

Highlights the depth of the analysis and detail provided in the answer.

FAQs

What does "a thorough response" mean?

The phrase "a thorough response" signifies a detailed, comprehensive, and well-reasoned answer that addresses all relevant aspects of a question or issue.

What can I say instead of "a thorough response"?

You can use alternatives like "a comprehensive answer", "a detailed reply", or "an in-depth explanation" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to ask for "a thorough response"?

It's appropriate to ask for "a thorough response" when dealing with complex or sensitive issues where a detailed and well-considered answer is necessary to fully understand the situation or make informed decisions.

How does "a thorough response" differ from "a quick answer"?

"A thorough response" implies a detailed and comprehensive answer, whereas "a quick answer" suggests a brief and immediate reply, possibly lacking in detail or depth.