seems thoroughly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seems thoroughly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing an observation or opinion about something that appears to be complete or comprehensive. Example: "The report seems thoroughly researched, covering all relevant aspects of the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

It seems thoroughly professional in every respect.

The New Yorker

Mr. Yu, for his part, seems thoroughly unimpressed.

The New York Times

Today the ballad seems thoroughly dated and saccharine.

The New York Times - Arts

But she seems thoroughly charmed by her Cuban collaborators, who traffic in eagerness.

The Economist

The pieces' breezy optimism seems thoroughly at odds with the realities of wartime.

The New York Times - Arts

But he audaciously approaches a subject that seems thoroughly covered and makes it fresh.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

But she seemed thoroughly capable of holding her own.

The New York Times

And if you can read people by their chattels, the owners do seem thoroughly likeable.

Independent

Mr. Shahzad had worked as a financial analyst and seemed thoroughly assimilated.

The New York Times

There are a few comparisons between Churchill and Lincoln in these documents, which seem thoroughly appropriate.

The New York Times - Arts

Though a product of the Victorian age, Oscar Wilde and his works always seemed thoroughly modern.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seems thoroughly" to convey a sense of completeness or comprehensiveness based on available evidence. It suggests a considered judgment rather than a casual observation.

Common error

Avoid using "seems thoroughly" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "seems really" or "seems quite" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seems thoroughly" functions as an evaluative expression, indicating an assessment based on observation. It modifies a following adjective or verb, adding a layer of subjective judgment about the completeness or extent of something. As seen in Ludwig, the phrase is often used to describe the quality or state of an action or object.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Arts

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seems thoroughly" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, as validated by Ludwig. It serves to convey an impression of completeness or comprehensiveness based on available evidence. As per Ludwig analysis, while correct, its usage is most appropriate in neutral to formal contexts such as news, arts, and academic writing. Common errors involve its overuse in informal settings, where simpler alternatives may be more suitable. The phrase effectively communicates a considered judgment, making it a valuable tool in analytical and descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appears completely

Emphasizes the visual aspect of seeming; focuses on outward appearance.

looks entirely

Similar to "appears completely", but with a stronger visual connotation.

gives the impression of being completely

More verbose, highlighting the inferred impression.

sounds fully

Relevant only when referring to auditory experiences; suggests a complete or comprehensive sound.

feels completely

Relevant when referring to experiences; emphasizes a complete or total feeling.

presents as entirely

More formal and detached, often used in analytical contexts.

is apparently fully

Highlights the apparent nature of the completeness, suggesting potential uncertainty.

comes across as wholly

Focuses on the perceived impression, often in interpersonal contexts.

strikes one as absolutely

More emphatic and subjective, indicating a strong personal conviction.

suggests a comprehensive

Implicates a comprehensive nature, differing from the focus on immediate impression.

FAQs

How can I use "seems thoroughly" in a sentence?

You can use "seems thoroughly" to describe something that gives a strong impression of being complete or comprehensive. For example, "The investigation seems thoroughly conducted."

What are some alternatives to "seems thoroughly"?

You can use alternatives like "appears completely", "looks entirely", or "is apparently fully" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "seems thoroughly" and "is thoroughly"?

"Seems thoroughly" suggests an observation or judgment based on available information, while "is thoroughly" implies a definitive statement of fact. The former indicates a degree of uncertainty, while the latter suggests certainty.

When is it appropriate to use "seems thoroughly" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "seems thoroughly" in formal writing, reports, or analyses where you want to convey a sense of completeness or comprehensiveness based on your assessment. It's less appropriate in casual or informal contexts.