thick

USAGE SUMMARY

"thick" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used as an adjective to describe something of great intensity. For example: "The thick fog blanketed the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Travel

Sport

Film

Opinion

Books

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was a very, very simple bowl, and the rim was thick but it twisted," he said.

The Guardian - Tech

Episode one grabs your lapels and drags you headlong back into the Whitechapel filth, and within a few short minutes the air is thick with horror and calamity thanks to "an event".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

NB: The article was changed at 9 35pm on March 26 to say that sea ice was one metre thick, rather than one mile.

The Guardian

For much of its first hour, Mad Dogs US seems overly preoccupied with underlining the tension between its leads in thick marker pen, making it seem less like a high-octane thriller and more like a sulky stag night.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Underneath the thick layers of greenwash many of these schemes are unsustainable, unviable and unpopular, but Gordon Brown wants to impose them from Whitehall irrespective of local opinion".

The Guardian

And, according to one of the guests, David Cameron laid it on thick by praising Desmond to the heavens as "the creator of large businesses and provider of thousands of jobs".

The Guardian

So much of the final two episodes depicts quite graphically what the thick of battle is like.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Covering more than 92,000 sq metres (1m sq ft), it is packed with supercomputers operated by codebreakers and data miners who work behind concrete and limestone walls that are up to 2.5 metres (8ft) thick.

The Guardian

You should be aiming for a slab which is "six-fingers thick".

The Guardian

And when you get home it will be a while before you forget the casual whoop of the tree frogs at nightfall or the magnificent flamboyant trees with their thick, confident branches and shocking red-feather tops.

The Guardian - Travel

Beat the egg yolks and sugar until thick and creamy, then pour over the hot milk and stir to mix.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thick" to describe abstract qualities like accents or tension, but be mindful of the connotations in different contexts.

Common error

Don't use "thick" vaguely. Instead of saying "the report was thick", specify what you mean: "The report was thick with data" or "The report was thick, comprising over 500 pages".

Linguistic Context

The word "thick" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe physical dimensions, consistency, or abstract qualities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable word in written English, often denoting great intensity or extent, evidenced by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Lifestyle

15%

Travel

7%

Less common in

Sport

5%

Film

5%

Opinion

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "thick" is a versatile adjective widely used in English to describe dimensions, consistencies, and abstract qualities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. With a neutral register, it appears frequently in news, lifestyle, and travel contexts. To enhance clarity, specify units when describing dimensions, and be mindful of connotations when using it for abstract qualities. Avoid vagueness by providing context. Alternatives like "dense" or "viscous" can provide more precise descriptions depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Dense

Emphasizes compactness and high concentration of elements.

Viscous

Highlights the consistency of a substance, implying a slow flow.

Heavy

Focuses on weight or intensity, suggesting a substantial presence.

Broad

Indicates a significant extent in width or scope.

Chunky

Suggests a rough and solid texture or build.

Solid

Implies firmness and lack of hollowness.

Opaque

Emphasizes the inability to see through something.

Stupid

Conveys a lack of intelligence or understanding.

Close-knit

Describes a group or community with strong bonds.

Profound

Indicates depth and intensity of feeling or understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "thick" in a sentence?

"Thick" can describe physical dimensions, consistencies, or abstract qualities. For example: "The walls are three feet thick", "The sauce became thick and creamy", or "The air was thick with anticipation".

What can I say instead of "thick" to describe a liquid?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "viscous", "dense", or "creamy".

Is it correct to use "thick" to describe a person's intelligence?

Yes, "thick" can be used informally to mean stupid or unintelligent. However, be aware that this usage can be considered offensive. Consider using alternative terms to "stupid" or "unintelligent".

What's the difference between "thick" and "dense"?

"Thick" generally refers to physical dimension or consistency, while "dense" often describes the concentration of something within a space or material. A forest can be "dense" with trees, while a plank can be "thick".