be exhaustive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be exhaustive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone to provide a complete and thorough account of information or details on a particular subject. Example: "In your report, please be exhaustive in your analysis of the data to ensure all aspects are covered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Archie Burnett's commentary to "The Complete Poems," which aims to be exhaustive, is sometimes exhausting.

The New York Times - Books

And the detail can be exhaustive.

The New York Times - Books

"I think the questioning will be exhaustive".

The New York Times

"It's obviously not going to be exhaustive," Mr. Gilbert said.

The New York Times - Arts

But never mind, at no point does it claim to be exhaustive or exclusive.

The Guardian

Several overlap, and in no way is this list meant to be exhaustive.

The Guardian

The Cubs have acknowledged Sandberg as a candidate in a search that will be exhaustive.

The New York Times - Sports

There is a surprisingly wide range of specialist scouting roles and, as Ali explains, the PFSA wanted to be exhaustive.

The Guardian - Sport

Interviews are a crucial tool for capturing history and the pursuit of detail should be exhaustive and pedantic.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The examination of all that went wrong these past four days must be exhaustive and honest," he said.

The New York Times

First, my discussion will not be exhaustive.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be exhaustive", ensure you define the scope clearly to avoid ambiguity about what needs to be covered. For example, "The research should be exhaustive regarding all published studies in the last decade."

Common error

Avoid using "be exhaustive" if you are not fully committed to conducting a truly comprehensive investigation. Instead, use phrases like "be thorough" or "be detailed" to set more realistic expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be exhaustive" functions as a directive or recommendation, urging complete and thorough coverage of a subject. It encourages a comprehensive approach, as highlighted by Ludwig, emphasizing the inclusion of every possible element.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be exhaustive" is a grammatically sound directive that calls for a comprehensive and thorough approach to a task or analysis. As Ludwig AI points out, it is used across various fields, but is especially prevalent in scientific and news-related contexts, encouraging the inclusion of every possible element. Although the term itself might sometimes be unrealistic, it sets a high standard for thoroughness. Alternatives such as "be thorough" or "be comprehensive" can offer a more practical scope. Therefore, while the goal is completeness, it is crucial to balance ambition with realism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be comprehensive

A direct synonym, focusing on covering all aspects.

perform a comprehensive analysis

Focuses on analysis, suggesting a detailed examination.

undertake an in-depth study

Focuses on the depth and intensity of a study or analysis.

conduct a thorough investigation

Emphasizes the process of investigation rather than a state of being.

make a complete inquiry

Refers to conducting a full and thorough investigation or examination.

delve into every detail

Emphasizes examining each specific element.

explore every avenue

Highlights exploring multiple paths to ensure thoroughness.

leave no stone unturned

An idiomatic expression emphasizing thoroughness in searching.

be meticulous

Highlights the detailed and careful nature of the process.

cover all bases

An idiomatic alternative, implying completeness and preparedness.

FAQs

How can I use "be exhaustive" in a sentence?

You can use "be exhaustive" to instruct someone to provide a complete and thorough account of information or details on a particular subject. For example, "In your report, please be exhaustive in your analysis of the data to ensure all aspects are covered."

What does "be exhaustive" mean?

"Be exhaustive" means to be comprehensive and thorough, including every possible element or detail.

What can I say instead of "be exhaustive"?

You can use alternatives like "be thorough", "be comprehensive", or "leave no stone unturned" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to "be exhaustive" in research?

No, it is not always necessary. Depending on the research goals and available resources, a more focused or targeted approach might be more practical and efficient. However, when aiming for a complete understanding or definitive result, being exhaustive is beneficial.