in detail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in detail" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to specify that something should be explained or described thoroughly and comprehensively. Example: "Please explain the process in detail so that everyone understands the steps involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Describes the presentation in detail.

The New Yorker

Describes the games in detail.

The New Yorker

Describes Skylab'd interior in detail.

The New Yorker

Describes the participants in detail.

The New Yorker

Many differences in detail exist.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Describe it in detail.

The New York Times

The jihadists, likewise, are portrayed in detail.

The New Yorker

Britten's childhood is discussed in detail.

The New York Times - Books

I explained it stupidly, in detail.

The New Yorker

The 1966 championships covered in detail.

The New Yorker

"Speak a lot, speak in detail.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in detail" when you want to ensure that all aspects of a subject are covered, leaving no room for ambiguity. For example, "Explain the experimental setup in detail so that the replication is possible."

Common error

Avoid using "in detail" when the context already implies thoroughness. Saying "Review the report" is often sufficient; adding "in detail" can be redundant unless you specifically need to emphasize the level of scrutiny.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in detail" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to specify the manner or extent to which an action is performed or a quality is possessed. Ludwig AI provides examples of this usage across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

27%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in detail" is a common adverbial phrase used to emphasize thoroughness and completeness. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific publications, and wiki articles. To ensure clarity, consider using "in detail" when complete explanations are needed, but avoid redundancy by omitting it when thoroughness is already implied. Alternatives include "thoroughly" or "comprehensively". By following these guidelines, writers can effectively use "in detail" to enhance the clarity and precision of their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comprehensively

This single word replaces the phrase with an adverb that stresses the extent of inclusion.

thoroughly

Replaces the phrase with a single-word adverb indicating careful and complete treatment.

exhaustively

Implies a deeper level of detail and completeness compared to the original phrase.

meticulously

Highlights the precision and care taken in providing the details.

with precision

Shifts focus to the accuracy and exactness of the information provided.

point by point

Emphasizes a sequential and itemized presentation of details.

step by step

Focuses on a clear and sequential unfolding of the information.

at length

Indicates that something is discussed or written about extensively.

circumstantially

Highlights the inclusion of relevant circumstances or conditions.

with complete particulars

Emphasizes the inclusion of all relevant and specific pieces of information.

FAQs

How can I use "in detail" in a sentence?

You can use "in detail" to emphasize that something should be explained or described thoroughly. For instance, "The process needs to be explained "in detail" so everyone understands each step".

What are some alternatives to saying "in detail"?

Alternatives include "thoroughly", "comprehensively", or "exhaustively", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "detail" or "in detail"?

Using "in detail" is more appropriate when you're describing how something should be explained or examined. Saying simply "detail" may be grammatically incorrect or incomplete depending on the context.

What's the difference between "in detail" and "at length"?

"In detail" focuses on the thoroughness of the information, while "at length" /s/at+length emphasizes the duration or extent of the discussion. You would describe a process "in detail", but discuss a topic "at length".