are not thorough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not thorough" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that lacks completeness or detail in a particular context, such as a report or an analysis. Example: "The findings of the study are not thorough, which raises questions about their reliability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But he and other restaurateurs are concerned that the listings are not thorough or specific enough.

The New York Times

Faulting the United Nations for not taking his concerns seriously, he said the criteria for invalidating votes are not thorough enough to weed out all the fraud.

The Economist

However, the current studies on this field are not thorough enough.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

Residents and activists have seized on memos between the state and the housing authority over cleanup standards that they say show the plans are not thorough.

Los Angeles Times

Therefore, we speculate that both their and our estimates about the numbers of PSG are not thorough enough, limited by our methodology.

Biology Direct

Despite that, the anatomical descriptions in nonhuman primates are scarce and most of them are not thorough, rendering complete comparisons impossible.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

If the directions aren't thorough or good enough and you're still confused, you can probably ask the man that you spoke to at the store, or there may be a number on the box to call.

WikiHow

His review was "informative but it was not thorough".

The Guardian

The graves appeared to have been plundered in antiquity, but the looters were not thorough.

The New York Times - Science

The study was not thorough enough to capture other risk factors, she said.

The New York Times

And it cannot be said that the study was not thorough.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In critiques, follow up the statement that something "is not thorough" with concrete examples of what is missing or could be improved.

Common error

Avoid using "are not thorough" hyperbolically. Ensure your assessment is based on specific shortcomings rather than general disapproval. Instead of just saying a report "is not thorough", pinpoint missing data, overlooked perspectives, or methodological flaws to strengthen your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not thorough" functions as an adjective phrase that describes a noun. It modifies the noun by indicating a lack of completeness, detail, or diligence. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are not thorough" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate a lack of completeness, detail, or rigor. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's frequently found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you provide specific examples of the shortcomings you are addressing to strengthen your critique. Alternatives like "are insufficiently detailed" or "lack depth" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Remember that while quick evaluations are appreciated, they "are not thorough" as would be those based on more robust evidence-based practices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not comprehensive

Highlights the absence of a complete or all-inclusive approach.

are not exhaustive

Similar to 'not comprehensive', but emphasizes a complete exploration of the topic.

are insufficiently detailed

Focuses specifically on the lack of detail.

lack depth

Emphasizes a lack of profoundness or deep understanding.

are not meticulous

Highlights a lack of precision and attention to detail.

are incomplete

Directly states that something is unfinished or missing parts.

are not rigorous

Focuses on the lack of strictness or adherence to standards.

are superficial

Implies a lack of depth and a focus on surface-level aspects.

are cursory

Suggests a hasty and not detailed approach.

are perfunctory

Implies a routine or indifferent approach, lacking genuine effort.

FAQs

How can I use "are not thorough" in a sentence?

You can use "are not thorough" to describe something that lacks completeness or detail, such as "The investigation /s/was+not+thorough, leading to unanswered questions".

What are some alternatives to saying "are not thorough"?

Alternatives include "are insufficiently detailed", "lack depth", or "are not comprehensive". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "are not thorough"?

Yes, "are not thorough" is grammatically correct. It uses the verb "are" with the negative "not" and the adjective "thorough".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "are not thorough"?

Use "are not thorough" when you want to express that something lacks completeness, detail, or has been done hastily. For example, "The security checks /s/were+not+thorough, making the system vulnerable".