details down to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "details down to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize the thoroughness or specificity of the details being discussed. Example: "The report covers the project timeline, budget, and details down to the last cent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

The team oversees details down to the light switch covers.

The New York Times

Pare the details down to the bone; get big issues out of the way first.

The New York Times

Shooting last year over six months in Morocco, the producers put a particular emphasis on details, down to the dust.

The New York Times - Arts

He frets over minute details, down to the placement of chairs at a jazz recital, a new addition to the festival's program.

The New York Times - Arts

The details, down to the sparkle of Ms. Nathan's diamond and sapphire engagement ring, captured the attention of New York society.

The New York Times

"There are legions of what I call Lindberghophiles, and they know details down to the color of the shoelaces he was wearing," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Each detail — down to the English subtitles — is reverently updated.

The New York Times - Arts

"We oversee every detail down to the towels.

The New York Times

It's a life regimented in excruciating detail, down to the way they eat an orange.

Independent

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

The New York Times - Arts

Everything has been reappointed in period detail, down to exact reproductions of the original carpets.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "details down to" when you want to emphasize the comprehensive nature of your analysis or description. For example, "The investigation covered every aspect of the incident, from the initial report to the "details down to" the time stamps on emails."

Common error

Avoid using "details down to" in situations where a simpler phrase would suffice. Saying "The plan includes all the "details down to" the budget" can be simplified to "The plan includes all the budget details."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "details down to" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, emphasizing the extent to which something is considered or specified. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is grammatically correct. For example, "The contract specifies the "details down to" the type of materials used."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "details down to" is a grammatically correct and effective way to emphasize the thoroughness or meticulousness of a description or plan. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is well accepted and readily used in writing. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, as well as in scientific writing, indicating its suitability for both formal and professional communication. When using "details down to", ensure that it genuinely adds value by highlighting comprehensive consideration of even the smallest aspects. Be mindful to avoid overuse in simple contexts where more concise phrasing would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

down to the nitty-gritty

Informal way to describe focusing on the most basic elements.

thorough in specifics

Emphasizes a complete and exhaustive approach to specific elements.

exhaustive with particulars

Stresses how all particulars or details have been addressed.

meticulous about

Focuses on being very careful and precise.

particular about

Emphasizes a strong preference for certain details.

scrupulous in

Highlights moral or ethical precision but can apply to general detail.

attentive to the nuances

Implies a sensitivity to subtle differences or details.

precise in every aspect

Highlights overall precision, not just focus on small details.

covering every inch

Expresses focus on even smallest parts or details.

going over the fine print

Highlights scrutiny of detailed agreements or documents.

FAQs

How can I use "details down to" in a sentence?

Use "details down to" to emphasize that you are considering even the smallest or most specific aspects of something. For example, "The project plan includes all the "details down to" the individual tasks and their deadlines".

What phrases are similar to "details down to"?

Similar phrases include "down to the nitty-gritty", "meticulous about", or "thorough in specifics", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "details down to" or just "details"?

It depends on the level of emphasis you want to convey. "Details down to" implies a very comprehensive and thorough examination or inclusion, whereas simply saying "details" is more general.

Can "details down to" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "details down to" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you need to stress the meticulous nature of your work or planning. However, consider the alternatives /s/down+to+the+nitty-gritty, and see if they are more appropriate.