quite thorough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite thorough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very detailed or comprehensive in nature. Example: "The report was quite thorough, covering all aspects of the project in detail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

"I was really quite thorough," she told Opera News.

The New York Times - Arts

(This process is at times quite thorough, and can amount to more than just editing).

The New Yorker

The aide said: "We felt the briefing for the committee was quite thorough".

The Guardian - Tech

Scrape the paste on to the tofu and gently spread it out with your hands; be quite thorough.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Dr. Moyle said the latest study was quite thorough in its climate modeling and predictions, and suggested that this could make it more convincing for policy makers.

The New York Times

The audit was quite thorough and the firm's conclusions about Mr. Hunter's financial indiscretions and fiduciary breaches are alarming, if not downright shocking.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

I wish too that the musical's authors were not quite so thorough in canvassing the headline-making troubles of Americans today.

The New York Times

The new issue of SmartMoney magazine offered a comparison of some current models, but each one was allotted just a few hundred words, not quite the thorough research I had in mind.

The New York Times - Tech

Asked if lessons had been learnt from the follow-up of Crevice which was not "quite as thorough" as it might have been, he said: "Not just Crevice, I think we learnt lessons from a number of operations between 2004 and 2005".

Independent

No other institution has been quite so thorough in accounting for American folk art, from its amazing beginnings in the 18th and 19th centuries through the 20th century and up to the present, even as the term folk art has been superseded by "self-taught" and "outsider" art.

The New York Times - Arts

Calling the work "quite a thorough series of experiments," vision scientist Andrew Derrington of the University of Nottingham, U.K., says it shows unambiguously that color improves the brain's ability to form and access memories through the visual system.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite thorough" to describe processes, analyses, or investigations that have been conducted with a high level of detail and completeness.

Common error

While "quite thorough" is grammatically correct, consider substituting it with simpler terms like "very detailed" or "complete" in casual conversation or informal writing for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite thorough" functions as an intensifier (quite) modifying an adjective (thorough). It serves to emphasize the degree to which something is complete, detailed, or comprehensive. Ludwig confirms that this construction is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "quite thorough" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that effectively conveys a high degree of completeness and attention to detail. As Ludwig confirms, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While suitable for a range of writing styles, consider more casual alternatives like "very detailed" in informal settings. Remember that while this phrase is acceptable and useful, there are nuances to consider when using it. Understanding these variations will enable you to communicate more effectively and precisely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very comprehensive

Emphasizes the completeness and broad scope of something, differing in intensity.

extremely detailed

Highlights the fine-grained level of attention given to something.

remarkably exhaustive

Suggests a surprising degree of completeness and depth.

substantially complete

Focuses on the idea that something is largely finished and contains nearly all necessary elements.

decidedly meticulous

Indicates a clear and intentional focus on precision and accuracy.

considerably in-depth

Emphasizes the depth and profundity of the examination or analysis.

appreciably rigorous

Highlights the strictness and adherence to standards in the process.

fairly exhaustive

Implies a good degree of completeness, though perhaps not to the highest extent.

reasonably comprehensive

Suggests a moderate level of completeness that meets expectations.

genuinely painstaking

Highlights the careful and diligent effort invested.

FAQs

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

You can use "quite thorough" to describe something that is very detailed and comprehensive. For example: "The investigation was "quite thorough", covering all aspects of the case."

What are some alternatives to "quite thorough"?

Alternatives to "quite thorough" include "very comprehensive", "extremely detailed", or "remarkably exhaustive", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "quite thorough" formal or informal?

"Quite thorough" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally more suited to professional or academic writing. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives might be preferred.

Is it better to say "very thorough" or "quite thorough"?

Both "very thorough" and "quite thorough" are correct. "Very thorough" is slightly more emphatic, while "quite thorough" may come across as a bit more understated or refined. The choice depends on the desired tone.