be thorough with

USAGE SUMMARY

"be thorough with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the importance of someone taking care and doing something properly, or taking their time to fully understand something. Example sentence: Be thorough with your research before you make a decision.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

- avina, nyc I agree, you need to be thorough with the exclusion measures to keep mice and other pests out.

The New York Times

So, even if Márquez has written his last book, he will need to be thorough with his instructions to executors to ensure that no new work by him is ever published.

The Guardian - Opinion

Be thorough with washes and then with the drying because residual salts and /or ethanol are toxic to embryos (phenol chloroform extraction of the eluted fragment is not recommended).

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"I like to be thorough with what I'm doing.

Los Angeles Times

"When a high public official is accused of serious wrongdoing and there is a sufficient factual predicate to investigate, it is imperative the investigation be thorough, with dispatch and without partisanship," Sessions wrote in an op-ed, co-signed by other high-profile Donald Trump supporters.

Huffington Post

Be thorough with the syllabus.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"I wanted to make sure I was thorough with it.

The New York Times - Sports

The quenching is thorough with good accuracy and specificity.

Analytical Biochemistry

Being thorough with their homework, they secured some crucial spots and continued firing at the Airport Security Forces (ASF).

Huffington Post

We were thorough with the contingencies and inspections we included, which ended up giving us negotiating leverage after the offer was accepted, but before we closed.

HuffPost

Aspects of this study are thorough with some of the major conclusions well supported by the data.

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to perform a task, using "be thorough with" helps ensure they understand the importance of completeness and accuracy. For instance, "Be thorough with your research" encourages deeper investigation.

Common error

While "be thorough with" implies a need for detail, avoid using it in situations where speed and efficiency are paramount. Choose phrases that emphasize promptness instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be thorough with" primarily functions as an imperative, used to instruct or advise someone to perform a task with great attention to detail and completeness. This is consistent with Ludwig's assessment that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be thorough with" is a grammatically correct and usable imperative, primarily employed to advise or instruct someone to perform a task with meticulous attention to detail and completeness, as confirmed by Ludwig. While its usage spans various contexts, including news, wiki, and scientific domains, it leans towards a neutral to slightly formal register. To enhance clarity and impact, consider related phrases like "be meticulous with" or "pay close attention to" depending on the situation. Remember, while thoroughness is valuable, context matters; ensure the phrase aligns with the task's requirements and desired pace. The examples provided by Ludwig underscore its consistent application across diverse authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be meticulous with

Emphasizes extreme attention to detail and precision.

be diligent with

Highlights the need for consistent and earnest effort.

be careful with

Focuses on avoiding mistakes or harm through attentiveness.

be exhaustive with

Stresses the importance of covering every possible aspect or detail.

be comprehensive with

Suggests a broad and complete approach, leaving nothing out.

be scrupulous with

Implies a strong sense of moral correctness and attention to detail.

be exacting with

Highlights the need for strict adherence to standards and requirements.

be attentive to

Focuses on paying close attention and being responsive to details.

pay close attention to

Emphasizes the act of focusing one's mental energy on something.

take great care with

Highlights the need for cautious and considerate handling.

FAQs

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

You can use "be thorough with" to advise someone to pay close attention to detail and ensure completeness. For example, "Be thorough with the data analysis" or "Be thorough with your preparations".

What are some alternatives to "be thorough with"?

Alternatives include "be meticulous with", "be diligent with", or "pay close attention to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "be thorough with" formal or informal?

"Be thorough with" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it leans slightly towards the formal side. The context should guide your choice.

When is it not appropriate to use "be thorough with"?

Avoid using "be thorough with" when the situation requires quick action or a general overview rather than a detailed examination. In such cases, alternatives like "be quick" or "be efficient" might be more suitable.