thick file

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thick file" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a file or collection of documents that is substantial in size, often implying that it contains a lot of information or details. Example: "The HR department presented a thick file of documents related to the employee's performance review."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

They have a thick file on him.

The Guardian

He held up a thick file: a hundred and thirty letters in support of Nunez.

The New Yorker

The D.C. police intelligence division already had a thick file on Salahuddin.

The New Yorker

Until now Lancaster has been able to put much of this away in an increasingly thick file marked 'work-ons'.

The Guardian - Sport

I've saved a thick file of articles over the past year, so should be able to unearth quite a number.

The Guardian

By looking sharply downward, she could see that her interrogator had a thick file in his hands.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Jesse Orosco reached into the thick files in his memory.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Ahlert said he had appealed for help from New York to El Paso, Tex., and had compiled thick files of evidence.

The New York Times

They trooped from specialist's office to specialist's office, carrying the thick files of notes and tests that made up the boy's medical history.

The New York Times - Magazine

One buyer who spent two years looking for an apartment kept thick files on the developers and projects that he had followed.

The New York Times

When he graduated he applied for a job in the Hudson County prosecutor's office, an office that had thick files on his father and other powerful politicians bearing the Kenny name.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thick file" to concisely describe a substantial collection of documents or information, often implying a significant amount of detail or investigation.

Common error

Avoid using "thick file" when referring to a small or insignificant collection of documents. The phrase implies a considerable amount of material and using it inappropriately can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thick file" functions as a noun phrase where "thick" modifies the noun "file". It's often used to indicate a substantial collection of documents, as confirmed by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thick file" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a substantial collection of documents. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's primarily used in news and media contexts. While there are several alternatives, such as "extensive dossier" or "comprehensive record", "thick file" provides a concise and readily understood description. When using the phrase, ensure that the collection of documents is indeed substantial, to avoid misleading the reader. Its consistent use in authoritative sources contributes to its high expert rating.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extensive dossier

Replaces "file" with "dossier" emphasizing a comprehensive collection of information.

comprehensive record

Substitutes "file" with "record", indicating a complete and thorough documentation.

substantial archive

Uses "archive" instead of "file", suggesting a collection of historical or valuable documents.

voluminous compilation

Replaces both "thick" and "file" with more formal synonyms.

detailed compendium

Emphasizes the level of detail and completeness of the collection.

extensive documentation

Focuses on the act of documenting and the breadth of the information.

sizeable accumulation of documents

Rephrases the concept using more descriptive language.

bulky set of papers

Emphasizes the physical size and paper-based nature of the file.

considerable collection of data

Shifts the focus to the data contained within the file.

extensive report

Replaces "file" with "report", focusing on a structured document containing findings or information.

FAQs

How can I use "thick file" in a sentence?

You can use "thick file" to describe a substantial collection of documents. For example, "The detective had a "thick file" on the suspect."

What does "thick file" imply?

A "thick file" suggests a large quantity of documents, indicating a thorough investigation, a detailed history, or a complex case.

Which is a better term, "thick file" or "extensive report"?

The best term depends on the context. "Thick file" refers to the physical collection of documents, while "extensive report" focuses on the information presented in a structured format. If you are referring to physical documents, "thick file" is more fitting. If you are referring to the contents of the document, use "extensive report".

What can I say instead of "thick file"?

You can use alternatives like "extensive dossier", "comprehensive record", or "substantial archive" depending on the context.