quick and thorough

USAGE SUMMARY

"quick and thorough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task that needs to be completed quickly but with attention to detail. For example, "We need to finish the project quickly and thoroughly so that the client is satisfied with the end result."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

My recent experiences at airport security checks abroad shows that polite, effective, quick and thorough check is cost-effective.

The New York Times - Travel

But most dealers recommend a quick and thorough washing as the best way to prevent body rot.

The New York Times

"I have been working with federal officials to make sure the response to this situation was quick and thorough and I believe it has been," he told reporters.

The New York Times

"I have been working with federal officials to make sure the response to this situation was quick and thorough and I believe it has been," he said.

The New York Times

The WHO commended the country on its "diligence to end the transmission of the virus," citing Senegal's quick and thorough response.

The Guardian

Armed conflict and its knock-on effects simply happen to be one of the few forces on the planet that can cause quick and thorough depopulation.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

We have been in constant contact with the staff, and we thank the Kansas City Police, as well as the Kansas City Bomb and Arson Squad for their quick response and thorough work.

Huffington Post

A much larger American force might assure a quicker and more thorough military victory, but at the risk of substantial American fatalities.

The New York Times

The federal officials said the rules that ensnared Mr. Spitzer apply to every bank customer, but they acknowledged that questionable activity involving a public official, particularly a prominent figure like the governor of New York, was likely to receive quicker and more thorough review.

The New York Times

Excavation is the quickest and most thorough remediation method.

Environmental Health Perspectives

"From the Diaries of Franz Kafka," a 1981 piece set to music by Schumann, Schubert, Schoenberg, Bloch and Mahler, offers a quick but thorough submersion in the spirit and letter of Kafka's writing.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "quick and thorough", ensure that the context clearly supports both aspects: speed and completeness. Avoid using it when one aspect outweighs the other.

Common error

A common mistake is to prioritize speed so much that the task isn't truly "thorough". Ensure that sufficient time and resources are allocated to guarantee a comprehensive outcome, not just a fast one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quick and thorough" functions primarily as a compound adjective, modifying a noun to describe something done both rapidly and comprehensively. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, reinforcing its adjectival role.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quick and thorough" is a common adjectival phrase used to describe actions or processes that are both fast and comprehensive. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. When using "quick and thorough", ensure that both speed and completeness are adequately addressed. Consider alternatives like "rapid and complete" or "swift and exhaustive" to fine-tune the nuance. Authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, underscoring its reliability and versatility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rapid and complete

Replaces "quick" with "rapid" and "thorough" with "complete", both synonyms emphasizing the efficient and comprehensive nature of an action.

swift and exhaustive

Uses "swift" instead of "quick" and "exhaustive" instead of "thorough", altering the tone to highlight speed and comprehensiveness.

prompt and meticulous

Substitutes "quick" with "prompt" and "thorough" with "meticulous", adding a sense of urgency and attention to detail.

expeditious and comprehensive

Employs "expeditious" and "comprehensive", offering a more formal alternative that stresses efficiency and breadth.

efficient and detailed

Replaces "quick" with "efficient" and "thorough" with "detailed", shifting the focus to resourcefulness and precision.

fast and in-depth

Uses "fast" for "quick" and "in-depth" for "thorough", providing a more informal and descriptive alternative.

immediate and scrupulous

Substitutes "quick" with "immediate" and "thorough" with "scrupulous", emphasizing urgency and moral integrity.

speedy and painstaking

Employs "speedy" and "painstaking", contrasting the rapid execution with the careful effort involved.

fleeting yet comprehensive

Introduces a contrasting element with "fleeting" for "quick", combined with "comprehensive" to highlight both speed and scope.

brief but complete

Uses "brief" instead of "quick" and "complete" instead of "thorough" suggesting that something happens fast but nothing is missing.

FAQs

How can I use "quick and thorough" in a sentence?

Use "quick and thorough" to describe an action or process that is both fast and comprehensive. For instance, "The company needs a "quick and thorough" investigation into the security breach."

What are some alternatives to using "quick and thorough"?

You can use alternatives like "rapid and complete", "swift and exhaustive", or "prompt and meticulous" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "quick and thorough"?

While "quick" and "thorough" might seem contradictory, they emphasize different aspects. "Quick" focuses on speed, while "thorough" highlights completeness. Using them together stresses the importance of both aspects being present. However, consider if alternatives such as "efficient and detailed" might be more appropriate for your context.

What's the difference between "quick and thorough" and "quick but thorough"?

"Quick and thorough" emphasizes that both qualities are achieved simultaneously. "Quick but thorough", on the other hand, acknowledges a potential tension between the two, suggesting that the thoroughness might be surprising given the speed.