painstakingly thorough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "painstakingly thorough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process or work that is done with great care and attention to detail. Example: "The researcher conducted a painstakingly thorough analysis of the data, ensuring that no detail was overlooked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It had been closed for two years for a painstakingly thorough refurbishing of its 443 rooms, lobby and other public areas.

The New York Times - Travel

Software Quality Assurance, delivered by painstakingly thorough (and slow) software testing, is predicated on the old fashioned notion that we have to release perfect software.

The Guardian

The novel's descriptions of the mill are painstakingly thorough, and exposition intrudes into the dialogue as Chace's characters inform one another (and us) of what's happening in the wider world.

The New York Times

Around the world, teams of dedicated researchers are doing the painstakingly thorough work needed to unpick the biological mysteries of ageing and, maybe one day, figure out how to tackle it.

The Guardian

Close on Chang's heels (and treading many of his paths) comes the journalist Marcus Reeves with a sweeping, painstakingly thorough, not especially original history of hip-hop, told through the stories of a dozen celebrated acts and their sociopolitical contexts.

The New York Times - Books

We received 162 responses, nearly all of them painstakingly thorough.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Raha Wala, an attorney with Human Rights First, told VICE News the news recidivism numbers "show what we we have known for some time: the process for clearing and transferring detainees is painstakingly careful and thorough". .

Vice

I read slowly, painstakingly.

The New Yorker

Movement unfolds painstakingly.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr Netanyahu painstakingly rebuilt it.

The Economist

Cleanup has been painstakingly slow.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "painstakingly thorough", ensure the context warrants the emphasis on detail and effort. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly formal or repetitive. Try it when you want to communicate the great commitment or time spent doing something.

Common error

Avoid using "painstakingly thorough" in casual or informal writing. It is better suited for formal reports, academic papers, or technical documents where precision and detail are paramount.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "painstakingly thorough" functions as a compound adjective, modifying a noun to emphasize the extreme care and detail involved. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing investigations, work, and processes where precision is key. The phrase intensifies the meaning of 'thorough,' stressing the meticulous effort.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "painstakingly thorough" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI. It serves to emphasize the extreme care and detail involved in an action or process. While not as common, its usage is appropriate in formal contexts such as news reports, scientific papers, and technical documentation. The phrase is often used to describe investigations, research, or analyses where precision and completeness are paramount. Given its emphasis on effort and precision, users should be mindful of the context and avoid overuse in casual writing. Several alternatives, such as "extremely meticulous" or "thorough and exhaustive", can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thorough and exhaustive

Highlights both the completeness and depth of the effort.

meticulously detailed

Similar to extremely meticulous, but slightly less intense.

extremely meticulous

Emphasizes the extreme level of detail and precision involved.

comprehensively analyzed

Focuses on thorough analysis covering all aspects.

scrupulously careful

Emphasizes the high level of care and ethical consideration.

highly detailed

Focuses on the abundance of details covered.

exhaustively researched

Specifically relates to research and investigation, suggesting deep investigation.

rigorously inspected

Implies a strict and demanding inspection process.

assiduously thorough

Highlights diligence and persistence in being thorough.

conscientiously detailed

Underscores the thoughtful and careful attention to detail.

FAQs

How can I use "painstakingly thorough" in a sentence?

You can use "painstakingly thorough" to describe an action or process that is performed with great care and attention to detail. For example: "The detective conducted a painstakingly thorough investigation of the crime scene".

What are some alternatives to "painstakingly thorough"?

You can use alternatives such as "extremely meticulous", "thorough and exhaustive", or "meticulously detailed" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "painstakingly thorough" suitable for all types of writing?

While grammatically correct, "painstakingly thorough" is best suited for formal or technical writing. In more casual contexts, simpler phrases like "very detailed" or "extremely careful" might be more appropriate.

What distinguishes "painstakingly thorough" from "thorough"?

The word "painstakingly" adds emphasis to the degree of effort and care involved. While "thorough" simply means complete, "painstakingly thorough" suggests a process carried out with great attention to even the smallest details, often implying significant time and effort.