thorough check

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thorough check" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a detailed and comprehensive examination or inspection of something. Example: "Before finalizing the report, we need to conduct a thorough check of all the data to ensure accuracy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After a thorough check, the bag was deemed safe.

The New York Times - Sports

"There's going to be a thorough check," he promised.

The New York Times

Give your pockets a thorough check before you put your jeans in the wash.

The Guardian - Money

There needs to be a thorough check on what companies are working on what, and when.

Independent

My recent experiences at airport security checks abroad shows that polite, effective, quick and thorough check is cost-effective.

The New York Times - Travel

Next, it's computer on and a thorough check through my emails in case there's anything urgent that needs dealing with.

The Guardian

"To do anything (make a trade) with anybody, we will make a thorough check," he said earlier.

The Washington Post

The FCA found that instead of conducting a thorough check on the clients, Barclays relaxed its assessments, breaching its own controls.

The Guardian - Business

Without a more thorough check on the accuracy of the rumor that 12 men had been found alive, the story should not have been printed.

The New York Times

And though Fox said that it had conducted a thorough check of Mr. Rockwell, it became clear that the research was less than exhaustive.

The New York Times

Taking no chances, Georgia Tech did a thorough check of Gailey's résumé, which includes a physical education degree from Florida in 1974.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, consider replacing "thorough check" with alternatives like "comprehensive inspection" or "detailed examination" for a more sophisticated tone.

Common error

While "thorough check" is generally acceptable, it can sound overly formal in very casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using simpler terms like "good look" or "once-over" to maintain a more relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thorough check" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb. It denotes an action – the act of checking – described by the adjective "thorough", indicating the quality and completeness of that action. This usage is validated by Ludwig's examples, where it appears in contexts describing inspections, examinations, and assessments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

23%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thorough check" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that signifies a detailed and comprehensive examination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and business, though it may sound somewhat formal in very casual settings. Related phrases include "comprehensive inspection" and "detailed examination", offering alternative ways to convey the same meaning with subtle differences in emphasis. When using this phrase, remember to ensure that the level of formality aligns with the context of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comprehensive inspection

Replaces "check" with "inspection", emphasizing a careful and complete examination.

detailed examination

Substitutes "thorough" with "detailed" and "check" with "examination", highlighting the level of scrutiny.

rigorous assessment

Emphasizes the strictness and formality of the evaluation.

exhaustive investigation

Highlights the completeness and depth of the inquiry.

in-depth analysis

Focuses on the analytical nature and depth of the evaluation.

meticulous review

Emphasizes the careful and precise nature of the examination.

careful scrutiny

Highlights the attentiveness and critical nature of the inspection.

complete audit

Suggests a formal and comprehensive review, often in a business or financial context.

full evaluation

Focuses on the comprehensive nature of the assessment.

intensive screening

Highlights a focused and detailed examination, often in security or medical contexts.

FAQs

What does "thorough check" mean?

"Thorough check" refers to a detailed and comprehensive examination or inspection to ensure accuracy, completeness, or safety.

What can I say instead of "thorough check"?

You can use alternatives like "comprehensive inspection", "detailed examination", or "rigorous assessment" depending on the context.

How to use "thorough check" in a sentence?

Example sentences include: "The mechanic gave the car a "thorough check" before the long trip." or "The FBI conducts a "thorough check" of their backgrounds.

Is "thorough check" formal or informal?

"Thorough check" is generally suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. However, in very informal settings, simpler terms might be more appropriate.