thorough background

USAGE SUMMARY

"thorough background" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to an extensive investigation into the history of something, for example, "My employer conducted a thorough background check before hiring me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Thorough background checks are recommended," he said.

The New York Times

Not short reports, but long, thorough background pieces.

The Guardian

It was then that they decided to petition for more thorough background checks.

The New Yorker

It, too, was to have included a thorough background check and biometric identity card.

The New York Times

"We thought we did a thorough background check on both kids before, and both came highly recommended," Green said.

The New York Times - Sports

For their part, private companies renting aircraft or teaching flying have been doing more thorough background checks.

The New York Times

Local officials perform thorough background checks, matchmaker-style, but once everyone is vetted, officials encourage them to mingle freely.

The New York Times

Icann says it will increase security in the new domains, including thorough background checks of all applicants.

The New York Times

(Here's a Guardian timeline and here's a very long but thorough background essay which Brian Cathcart wrote for Granta magazine in 1997).

The Guardian

And though on the lam, he applied for the job under a fake name, Jehad Almustafa — one that all but guaranteed a pretty thorough background check.

The New Yorker

As labor shortages threaten rapid growth, companies are becoming more likely to forgo thorough background checks so as to speed up hiring.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "thorough background" in the context of hiring, ensure the background check complies with legal regulations and privacy laws. Tailor the depth of the background check to the role's responsibilities and the industry's standards.

Common error

Don't assume that a quick online search constitutes a "thorough background" check. Utilize professional services to access verified records and conduct comprehensive investigations, especially for sensitive positions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thorough background" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "thorough" modifies "background". It's often used to describe a detailed and comprehensive examination or understanding of a subject or person's history, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

12%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thorough background" is a common and correct phrase used to describe a detailed and comprehensive examination or history. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across various contexts such as news, science, and business. While grammatically straightforward, it's important to ensure that background checks, in particular, comply with legal standards. Alternatives like "comprehensive history" or "extensive investigation" can be used to vary your language. When writing, avoid superficial checks and always aim for verifiable and comprehensive information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comprehensive history

Changes the noun to "history", emphasizing a detailed account of past events rather than an investigation.

extensive investigation

Replaces "background" with "investigation", highlighting the investigative aspect rather than the contextual information.

detailed examination

Substitutes "background" with "examination", focusing on a close inspection of the relevant information.

complete profile

Uses "profile" instead of "background", suggesting a comprehensive overview of someone or something.

in-depth analysis

Replaces "background" with "analysis", stressing a deep and analytical exploration.

exhaustive study

Changes "background" to "study", implying a systematic and thorough research process.

rigorous assessment

Substitutes "background" with "assessment", emphasizing a strict and careful evaluation.

full account

Replaces "background" with "account", focusing on a complete and detailed narrative.

wide-ranging survey

Uses "survey" to indicate a broad and comprehensive overview, differing from a specific background.

meticulous record

Changes "background" to "record", highlighting a carefully maintained and detailed collection of information.

FAQs

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

You can use "thorough background" to describe something that is done comprehensively, for example: "The journalist provided a "thorough background" on the political situation" or "The company conducted a "thorough background" check on all new employees".

What are some alternatives to saying "thorough background"?

Alternatives include "comprehensive history", "extensive investigation", or "detailed examination" depending on the specific context.

What makes a background check "thorough"?

A "thorough background" check includes verifying employment history, educational qualifications, criminal records, and references, as well as checking for any relevant legal or financial issues.

In what contexts is a "thorough background" check most important?

A "thorough background" check is particularly important in contexts involving sensitive information, financial responsibility, childcare, or public safety.