take a thorough look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take a thorough look" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that someone examine something carefully and in detail. Example: "Before making a decision, I recommend that you take a thorough look at all the available options."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Take a thorough look at what assets are part of your estate.

Cornell University

The advisory committee has been created "to take a thorough look at these issues," the spokesman added.

Independent

McDonnell has asked economist Lord Skidelsky to take a thorough look at the impact on productivity of employers moving to a four-day week.

The Guardian - Business

Ban Ki-moon, the secretary general of the United Nations, said that the InterAcademy Council, a consortium of the world's most prestigious scientific societies, would name scientists to take a thorough look at the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

The New York Times - Science

To take a thorough look at the evidence, researchers identified randomized-controlled studies in four different treatment areas: cognitive training, prescription medicines, over-the-counter supplements, and vitamins and physical activity.

Cornell University

Cummings added that Conway's promotional message was "very blatant" and "intentional," and said the Office of Government Ethics should "take a thorough look" at the situation before recommending a potential punishment.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

JPMorgan officials are "taking a thorough look at all of our policies related to these issues and plan to make meaningful changes," the statement said.

The New York Times

Ian Conyers, a Michigan state senator, wrote on Twitter on Tuesday: "I look forward to our local and national media taking a thorough look at all candidates to replace my uncle @RepJohnConyers". He did not respond to messages seeking comment.

The Washington Post

Although no one has taken a thorough look at the new rock face yet, due to ongoing rain, it seems likely that the route will need new bolts for climbing ropes, which most climbers rely on to safeguard against falls.

The Guardian - Travel

But there's another view, embraced by many countries (which tend not to be the big emitters), suggesting that a safer target involves limiting global warming to just 1.5 degrees C. Yet that target would be still tougher to achieve, finds a new paper in Nature Climate Change that takes a thorough look at what 1.5 degrees would actually mean.

The Washington Post

In a two-part series in the New York Times entitled Man vs Marathon, Jeré Longman took a thorough look at Yannis Pitsiladis's project to accelerate the process that will, almost certainly, lead to a human being running the arbitrary distance of 26.2 miles in two hours.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take a thorough look" when you want to emphasize a detailed and comprehensive examination, rather than a cursory glance.

Common error

Avoid using "take a thorough look" when you actually mean a quick review. "Thorough" implies a detailed, time-consuming process, not a brief overview.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a thorough look" functions as a verb phrase often used to introduce a detailed examination or evaluation of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase suggests a need for careful and comprehensive scrutiny. The examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts, from reviewing legal documents to assessing scientific data.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take a thorough look" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that encourages detailed and comprehensive examination. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is adaptable across various contexts, primarily appearing in news and academic settings. While versatile, it is important to use it appropriately, ensuring that the context genuinely calls for a deep dive rather than a quick glance. Alternatives like "examine closely" or "investigate deeply" can be used to vary your language while maintaining the intended meaning. Remember to emphasize clarity and context to ensure your message is effectively conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

examine closely

Focuses on the detailed examination aspect, omitting the initial action of 'taking' a look.

investigate deeply

Emphasizes the investigative aspect, suggesting a more in-depth inquiry.

review meticulously

Highlights the careful and detailed aspect of the review process.

scrutinize carefully

Implies a critical and detailed examination, often looking for flaws.

analyze comprehensively

Suggests a broad and complete analysis of the subject.

give careful consideration

Focuses on thoughtful evaluation rather than a visual inspection.

conduct an exhaustive study

Highlights the thoroughness and completeness of the investigation.

delve into deeply

Suggests a more profound and immersive exploration of a topic.

undertake a detailed assessment

Formal phrasing that suggests a structured evaluation process.

make a diligent inquiry

Highlights the effort and care involved in the investigation.

FAQs

What does "take a thorough look" mean?

The phrase "take a thorough look" means to examine something carefully and in detail. It implies a comprehensive review to understand all aspects of the subject.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "take a thorough look"?

It's appropriate to use "take a thorough look" when you need to emphasize the importance of a detailed and comprehensive examination. This is particularly useful when making critical decisions or evaluating complex situations. For example, before signing a contract, "examine closely" all the terms and conditions.

What are some alternatives to "take a thorough look"?

You can use alternatives like "examine closely", "investigate deeply", or "review meticulously" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "take a thorough look"?

Yes, the phrase "take a thorough look" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It follows standard grammatical rules and is widely understood.