be thorough about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be thorough about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to be detailed and comprehensive in their approach to a task or subject. Example: "When preparing your report, make sure to be thorough about the data analysis to ensure accuracy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If you wish to be thorough about the grammatical function of this word, further determine whether a noun is countable or uncountable, whether a verb is transitive or intransitive, and so on.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"My interest is in being thorough about representing human behaviour and emotion.

The Guardian - Books

Yet it's worth being thorough about it as EU law influences a broad spectrum of our current laws, across both private and public practice in the UK.

The Guardian

But Mr. McCauley is a committed formalist and a defiant singer; he loves hating himself, and he's thorough about it.

The New York Times - Arts

If you are looking for a job under pressure, you may think you don't have the time to be thorough and thoughtful about your job search.

Columbia University

Ultimately, be thorough and careful about making any application decisions.

HuffPost

Their ability to analyze and to be thorough and to think about the impact of one decision versus another was interesting and helpful to watch.

The New York Times

Always be thorough.

The New York Times

Be prompt, be thorough.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Be thorough.

Vice

Be thorough, be tough.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "be thorough about", ensure you clearly define the scope of what needs to be examined or completed. Providing specific guidelines can help ensure completeness and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "be thorough about" in situations where a quick or general approach is sufficient. Overemphasizing thoroughness can lead to unnecessary delays and wasted effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be thorough about" functions as a directive, urging someone to approach a task or subject with completeness and attention to detail. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be thorough about" is a directive phrase advising a comprehensive and detailed approach to a task. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While not exceedingly common, it finds use across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources. For improved writing, define the scope of thoroughness clearly and avoid overstating its necessity in simpler situations. Alternatives include "be meticulous about" and "be diligent in".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be meticulous about

Focuses on precision and attention to detail, implying a higher degree of exactness.

be diligent in

Highlights the effort and persistence required for a task, emphasizing consistent application.

be exhaustive in

Emphasizes completeness, covering all possible aspects or details of the subject.

be comprehensive in

Stresses a broad and inclusive approach, ensuring all relevant information is included.

pay close attention to

Shifts the focus to attentiveness and careful observation, rather than the thoroughness of the action.

be scrupulous in

Implies a strong moral or ethical component, suggesting adherence to strict principles.

leave no stone unturned

An idiomatic expression indicating that every possible avenue or method has been explored.

cover all bases

An idiomatic expression indicating the coverage of all possible contingencies or aspects.

go the extra mile

Indicates exceeding expectations in terms of effort and attention to detail.

be punctilious about

Emphasizes strict observance of formalities or protocol.

FAQs

How can I use "be thorough about" in a sentence?

You can use "be thorough about" to emphasize the importance of completeness and attention to detail. For example, "When conducting your research, "be thorough about" checking all sources".

What are some alternatives to "be thorough about"?

Alternatives include "be meticulous about", "be diligent in", or "be exhaustive in", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "be thorough about"?

It's most appropriate in contexts where accuracy, completeness, and attention to detail are critical, such as in research, analysis, or investigations. Using "be thorough about" is also useful when explaining rules and procedures, and processes that should be followed carefully.

What's the difference between "be thorough about" and "be careful about"?

"Be thorough about" emphasizes completeness and covering all aspects, while "be careful about" focuses on avoiding mistakes or potential harm. While related, "be careful about" highlights caution, while "be thorough about" emphasizes comprehensiveness.