down to the last detail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "down to the last detail" is correct and fully usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is done with a great level of detail and precision. For example: "We planned the event down to the last detail, ensuring that nothing was left to chance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Modern" is just such a label, we seek to create design that at its best is honest, long-lasting, understandable and thorough down to the last detail.

Vice

According to him, it should be innovative and useful, aesthetic and honest, unobtrusive and long-lasting; it must make a product understandable, be thorough down to the last detail, and it must be concerned with the environment.

Independent

He has planned that down to the last detail.

The New Yorker

He planned the removal down to the last detail.

The New Yorker

It was planned down to the last detail.

The Guardian

It's down to the last detail in everything.

The Guardian

His mission: to examine every ship right down to the last detail.

Independent

Every day all details of their conversation are exactly the same down to the last detail.

The New Yorker

The visual world that she invented for herself was pathological down to the last detail.

The Guardian

He has the very Latin habit of getting the arrangements down to the last detail.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He did not take the same personal, down-to- the-last-detail interest in the making of his movies that producer-executives such as Samuel Goldwyn and Louis B. Mayer did.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to ensure that the phrase is appropriate for the level of formality. While widely used, more formal settings may benefit from alternatives like "with meticulous attention to detail".

Common error

Avoid using "down to the last detail" excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. Overuse can make your language sound stilted or unnatural. Opt for simpler alternatives when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "down to the last detail" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, emphasizing the completeness and thoroughness of an action or description. As Ludwig AI explains, it highlights that every single aspect has been considered.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

19%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Science

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "down to the last detail" is a prepositional phrase used to emphasize thoroughness and completeness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. It's commonly found in News & Media, Academic, and Formal & Business contexts, signaling meticulous attention and planning. While suitable for most situations, writers should consider context to avoid overuse in informal settings. The phrase effectively conveys confidence and assures audiences that nothing has been overlooked. Alternatives such as "meticulously" or "with meticulous attention to detail" can be considered for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

down to the smallest particular

Highlights the focus on the most minor elements, emphasizing thoroughness.

with meticulous attention to detail

Combines carefulness with a focus on detail, offering a more descriptive alternative.

in minute detail

Highlights the focus on small aspects but lacks the implication of completeness.

meticulously

Focuses on the careful and precise manner in which something is done, omitting the notion of it being the final detail.

with great precision

Emphasizes accuracy and exactness, without necessarily implying that all aspects have been considered.

to a T

Informal expression suggesting perfection and exactness, not necessarily thoroughness.

in every respect

Indicates completeness and all-inclusiveness, but lacks the emphasis on fine points.

every single aspect

Emphasizes the inclusion of all aspects, but not necessarily the detailed consideration of each.

to the fullest extent

Implies that something is done completely, but does not specifically refer to detail.

comprehensively

Focuses on thoroughness and breadth of coverage, rather than minute specifics.

FAQs

How can I use "down to the last detail" in a sentence?

You can use "down to the last detail" to emphasize the completeness of something. For example, "The event was planned "down to the last detail", ensuring a seamless experience for all attendees."

What are some alternatives to "down to the last detail"?

Alternatives include "meticulously", "with great precision", or "in minute detail" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "down to the last detail" formal or informal?

"Down to the last detail" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "with meticulous attention to detail" might be preferable in certain professional settings.

What does "down to the last detail" emphasize?

"Down to the last detail" emphasizes the thoroughness, completeness, and precision of something, indicating that nothing has been overlooked or left to chance.