thorough answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thorough answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to describe a response that is detailed and comprehensive. Example: "I appreciate your thorough answer to my question; it really helped clarify my doubts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The Science of Sport blog has a very thorough answer.

The Guardian - Sport

It is generally a long and thorough answer".

The New Yorker

"I'm sorry I don't have a more thorough answer about this," she said, "but that's where we are".

The New York Times

You are now taking your case to the telecoms ombudsman to see if you can get a more thorough answer.

The Guardian - Money

Even Jack Nicklaus, the retired 70-year-old golf icon who generally graces every query with a thorough answer, declined repeatedly to address Woods's travails.

The New York Times - Sports

"When I'm meeting people, it's not a good time to answer questions that are important and require good attention and a thorough answer".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"We give thorough answers.

The New York Times

The two committee leaders said the responses were inadequate and incomplete and asked the nominee to submit more thorough answers by Wednesday.

The New York Times

I appreciate your prompt and thorough answers to these questions.

TechCrunch

It provides extremely impressive and thorough answers to a wide range of questions asked in many different ways, and it computes answers, it doesn't merely look them up in a big database.

TechCrunch

Resident volunteer career experts Kevin Makra (author of the Canada Student Employment Guide and the Canadian Job Directory), Karen Schaffer (author of The Job of Your Life and Hire Power), and Jean-Marc Hachey (author of The Canadian Guide to Working and Living Overseas) provide thorough answers within a couple of weeks of posting.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When seeking a "thorough answer", formulate specific and targeted questions to elicit more detailed and relevant responses.

Common error

Avoid asking broad questions that lack focus; this often leads to less detailed and less useful answers. Instead, break down your inquiry into specific sub-questions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thorough answer" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "thorough" modifies the noun "answer". This construction describes the quality or characteristic of the answer, indicating its completeness and attention to detail. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

27%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Science & Research

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thorough answer" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes a comprehensive and detailed response. According to Ludwig, it is appropriate for various contexts, from news and media to scientific and general discussions. When seeking or providing information, aiming for a "thorough answer" ensures clarity and a complete understanding of the subject matter. Remember to formulate specific questions to elicit such detailed responses, and avoid broad inquiries that lack focus. The phrase has a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse communicative settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comprehensive response

Emphasizes the completeness and all-encompassing nature of the response.

detailed explanation

Focuses on the level of detail provided in the answer.

exhaustive reply

Highlights the depth and completeness of the answer provided.

complete response

Indicates that the answer covers all aspects of the question.

in-depth explanation

Stresses the detailed and analytical nature of the explanation.

full answer

Implies that the answer is complete and doesn't leave out important information.

elaborate answer

Focuses on the detailed and expanded nature of the response.

extensive explanation

Highlights the broad scope and detail of the explanation.

substantial response

Emphasizes the significance and completeness of the reply.

detailed response

Highlights the presence of many specific details in the answer.

FAQs

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

You can use "thorough answer" to describe a response that is detailed and comprehensive, such as "I was pleased to receive such a thorough answer to my complex question."

What is a good alternative to "thorough answer"?

Alternatives to "thorough answer" include "comprehensive response", "detailed explanation", and "exhaustive reply", each emphasizing different aspects of the answer's completeness and detail.

Is "thorough answer" formal or informal?

The phrase "thorough answer" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication.

What makes an answer "thorough"?

A "thorough answer" is characterized by its completeness, attention to detail, and the extent to which it addresses all aspects of the question asked. It leaves no stone unturned.