are thorough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are thorough" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is detailed, complete, and careful in their work or approach. Example: "The researchers are thorough in their analysis, ensuring that all data is considered before drawing conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The statistics are thorough.

The New Yorker

The Swedes are thorough.

The New Yorker

Both of them are thorough and believable.

The New York Times

These things are thorough and deep.

The Washington Post

Put differently, inspections are thorough but largely sporadic.

The New York Times

The recipes are thorough, but far from exhaustive.

The New York Times - Magazine

The morphologies and structure of obtained sample are thorough characterized.

Electrochimica Acta

There are thorough instructions in "Seed to Seed" by Suzanne Ashworth (Seed Savers Exchange, 2001).

The New York Times

Facilities are thorough and clean, and there's a play park and games room.

The Guardian - Travel

Site reviews for some countries are thorough; others are phoned in.

The Guardian - Opinion

The exhibits are thorough and gritty, no romanticizing of war here.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To strengthen your writing, pair "are thorough" with specific examples of the actions taken to ensure completeness, such as "are thorough in their research, consulting multiple sources and verifying all data".

Common error

Avoid simply stating something is "thorough" without showing how or why. Providing specifics about the process or criteria that make it thorough will add more weight and clarity to your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are thorough" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun (usually plural) to indicate that the subject is complete, detailed, and comprehensive. Ludwig AI confirms this with many examples where "are thorough" describes investigations, analyses, and processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are thorough" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase signifying completeness and detail. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly employed in News & Media and Science contexts to convey the reliability and depth of a process or investigation. While versatile, it's best practice to provide context to illustrate how something is thorough, avoiding vague statements. Alternatives include "are comprehensive", "are meticulous", and "are exhaustive", each adding a slightly different shade of meaning. Whether in formal reports or general writing, "are thorough" serves as a powerful descriptor when used thoughtfully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are comprehensive

Emphasizes the inclusion of all relevant details or aspects.

are meticulous

Highlights extreme attention to detail and precision.

are exhaustive

Suggests a complete and thorough investigation or analysis.

are painstaking

Emphasizes the effort and care taken in completing a task.

are scrupulous

Highlights a high degree of integrity and attention to moral or ethical details.

are rigorous

Emphasizes strict adherence to standards and procedures.

are diligent

Highlights persistent and careful effort.

are detailed

Focuses on the inclusion of many specific and precise details.

are complete

Implies that nothing is missing or left undone.

are methodical

Suggests a systematic and orderly approach.

FAQs

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

You can use "are thorough" to describe investigations, reviews, analyses, or processes that are comprehensive and detailed. For example, "The investigations "are thorough" and seriously conducted."

What are some alternatives to saying "are thorough"?

Alternatives to "are thorough" include phrases such as "are comprehensive", "are meticulous", or "are exhaustive", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "are thorough" or "is thorough"?

"Are thorough" is used with plural subjects, while "is thorough" is used with singular subjects. For example, "The investigations are thorough" versus "The investigation is thorough".

What does it mean when someone says a process or investigation "are thorough"?

When someone says a process or investigation "are thorough", it means they are comprehensive, detailed, and leave no stone unturned in their execution. It indicates a high level of diligence and attention to detail.