detailing down to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "detailing down to" is not standard in written English and may be considered awkward or incorrect.
It could be used when trying to emphasize the specificity of details being provided, but a more common phrasing would be preferable. Example: "The report includes all the necessary information, detailing down to the exact measurements of each component."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But what gave this book such an edge was the author's meticulous detailing, down to the weather on the day of the murder.

The Guardian - Books

For a proposed Florida condominium complex, Alpha Vision, a computer illustration company with offices in Miami, Montreal and Scottsdale, Ariz., created a lengthy exterior and interior tracking shot with life-like detailing, down to Andy Warhol prints on the wall, a working television and personal toiletries in the bathroom.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Dragon faces are detailed down to the whiskers, and goddesses are engulfed in jade lace.

The New York Times - Arts

The problem is, despite a family schedule which is detailed down to the minute, the best-laid plans go awry.

The Guardian - Opinion

The designs ranged from crude X's to portraits of rulers, animals and goddesses that are detailed down to individual feathers and chandelier earrings.

The New York Times - Arts

Portraits of brides and grooms appear on marriage rings, detailed down to the jewelry dangling from the brides' hair and necks.

The New York Times - Arts

The company's "asset protection" book, revealed to the Guardian, is meticulously detailed, down to the make and model of almost every screw, bracket and hinge.

The Guardian

The bas-relief porcelain is detailed down to fingernails, hair strands, buttonholes and boot tassels — even the upholstery tacks on one man's chair are visible.

The New York Times

Then there are the biographies, studies and style guides: Bloomsbury gardens, servants, food and decor, exhaustively detailed down to the last chamber pot, dish or daub.

The Guardian - Books

Other images, notably the Halloween costume, detailed down to its frog-shaped clasps and fake braid, are making a first-time appearance.

The New York Times - Arts

Intricately detailed down to the tiny decals on their front left quarter-panels, die-cast cars are collector's items to be displayed, not for a 5-year-old to play with in the driveway.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for precision in technical descriptions, consider using "detailing down to" to highlight the depth of information provided.

Common error

Avoid using "detailing down to" in casual writing, as it can sound overly formal or technical. Opt for simpler phrases like "including" or "even" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "detailing down to" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, emphasizing the thoroughness and precision of the detailing. It highlights that the information provided is exhaustive, covering even the minutest aspects. As Ludwig AI reports, the phrase, while understandable, is not standard in written English and may be considered awkward.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "detailing down to" is a prepositional phrase used to emphasize the thoroughness and precision of information. Ludwig indicates that it can come across as awkward, so consider alternatives. While grammatically acceptable, it's most suitable for technical or formal contexts needing precise descriptions. Common in news and media, it highlights meticulous attention to detail, assuring audiences of comprehensive coverage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meticulously describing, including

Emphasizes that the descriptions are very meticulous and complete.

providing exact specifications for

Stresses the provision of precise and exact specifications.

specifying even to

Focuses on the act of specifying, pushing the level of detail to the extreme.

defining with extreme precision

Focuses on the extreme precision used in defining something.

outlining to the finest point

Highlights the precision and fineness of the outline.

elaborating to the point of

Highlights the level of detail reached through elaboration.

listing even the smallest features

Focuses on the inclusion of even the smallest details in a list.

covering every aspect, including

Stresses the comprehensive coverage of details.

itemizing every particular, like

Highlights the detailed itemization of specific particulars.

thoroughly explaining, even

Emphasizes the thoroughness of the explanation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "detailing down to" to sound more natural?

Consider using alternatives like "including", "even", or "specifying even to" for a smoother, less technical tone. The best choice depends on the context.

Is "detailing down to" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "detailing down to" can sound awkward. Ludwig flags it for potential improvement. Using a more common phrasing is often preferable.

When is it appropriate to use "detailing down to"?

It's most appropriate when you need to emphasize the extreme specificity of the details being provided, particularly in technical or formal contexts. However, be aware of more common alternatives.

What's a better way to start a sentence than with "detailing down to"?

Instead of starting with "detailing down to", try phrases like "The report specifies "even the smallest" details" or "The plan covers "everything including"..."