complete and thorough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complete and thorough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is fully finished and detailed, often in the context of reports, analyses, or assessments. Example: "The final report was complete and thorough, covering all aspects of the project in detail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

"Although we have not completely ruled it out in order to conduct a complete and thorough investigation, we do not suspect foul play at this point in the investigation," Chris Grey, the spokesman for the Army's Criminal Investigation Command, said in the statement.

Huffington Post

Meanwhile, the decision not to dismiss him last year needs a complete and thorough review".

The Guardian - Sport

"People are working around the clock to ensure a complete and thorough investigation," he said.

The New York Times

The panel said it based its decision on "a complete and thorough review of the 1,717 exhibits and transcripts of testimony".

The New York Times

The National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People NAACPP) said its leadership was meeting on Monday with Mr Conley, who promised a "complete and thorough investigation".

Independent

Crump said Zambrano-Montes's family would be calling on the federal Justice Department to instigate a "complete and thorough" investigation into the case.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Complete history and thorough physical examination will determine the ranking order of possible differential diagnoses.

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases

There is need for a complete turnaround and thorough sifting of individuals before they enter the [nursing] profession.

Global Health Action

Complete history taking and thorough physical examination including weight, body surface area (BSA), and measurement of blood pressure.

Disease Markers

The family has asked us to make clear that members of the family completed a long and thorough period of research across a wide range of conventional and alternative treatments, both in the UK and abroad, before approaching the clinic.

The Guardian - Opinion

Complete, thorough, and correct process safety management depends to a large extent on complete, thorough, and correct process hazard identification, both before and during the process hazards analysis (PHA) review.

Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, use "complete and thorough" to underscore that all aspects have been addressed meticulously and no stone has been left unturned. This is particularly effective in reports, investigations, and analyses where detail is paramount.

Common error

Avoid using "complete and thorough" when the context already implies an exhaustive approach. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Opt for a simpler alternative if the thoroughness is self-evident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complete and thorough" primarily functions as a compound adjective. It modifies a noun, emphasizing the extensive and meticulous nature of the noun it describes. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is usable in written English, and it indicates that something is fully finished and detailed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "complete and thorough" functions as a compound adjective used to describe something done meticulously and extensively. Ludwig AI states that it is grammatically correct and suitable for written English. It's frequently used in news, media, and scientific contexts to convey transparency and build trust by assuring that all aspects have been handled with care and attention to detail. While synonymous phrases like "thorough and comprehensive" exist, "complete and thorough" offers a specific nuance, emphasizing both the completeness and the thoroughness of an action or assessment. Just ensure that you avoid overuse in contexts where the intended meaning is already clearly implied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thorough and comprehensive

Reverses the order and uses "comprehensive" instead of "complete", emphasizing the inclusion of all relevant elements.

exhaustive and complete

Swaps "thorough" for "exhaustive", highlighting the exhaustive nature of the assessment.

detailed and thorough

Replaces "complete" with "detailed", focusing on the presence of many specifics.

comprehensive and detailed

Combines the ideas of comprehensiveness and detail, but uses different ordering.

in-depth and exhaustive

Uses "in-depth" and "exhaustive" to convey a very detailed and complete analysis.

full and exhaustive

Uses "full" and "exhaustive" implying that all possibilities and options have been looked at.

careful and complete

Emphasizes the care taken to ensure something is whole.

meticulous and thorough

Focuses on the precision and attention to detail involved.

painstaking and exhaustive

Conveys a sense of effort and dedication in achieving completeness.

exhaustive and meticulous

A combination of the thoroughness and attention to detail.

FAQs

How can I use "complete and thorough" in a sentence?

You can use "complete and thorough" to describe investigations, reports, or analyses that are very detailed and cover all aspects of the subject. For example: "The police conducted a "complete and thorough" investigation."

What phrases are similar to "complete and thorough"?

Similar phrases include "thorough and comprehensive", "exhaustive and complete", and "detailed and thorough".

Is it redundant to use both "complete" and "thorough"?

While both words share similar meanings, using them together emphasizes the extent to which something has been examined and addressed. The phrase "complete and thorough" is often used to assure the audience of the comprehensiveness of the task.

Which is more appropriate, "complete" or "thorough"?

The choice between "complete" and "thorough" depends on the context. "Complete" suggests that all parts are present, while "thorough" suggests that something has been done carefully and with attention to detail. The phrase "complete and thorough" covers both aspects.