thorough explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

"thorough explanation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a detailed or comprehensive explanation of a topic or situation. For example, "Her thorough explanation of the backstory was essential to understanding the novel."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here's a good and thorough explanation.

The New Yorker

(For a more thorough explanation, have a look at this Notes & Queries article from 2011).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Each received the same thorough explanation about why antibiotics weren't necessary.

The Guardian - Opinion

A thorough explanation of the programming steps and how to use the maplet is given.

Computer Physics Communications

He writes in a rather archaic German, riddled with obscure references which require a thorough explanation.

Stanford University

I begin this unit with a thorough explanation of where our water supply comes from.

Yale University

For a more thorough explanation of the new paper and its significance, please read this explanation.

Princeton University

In the absence of a thorough explanation, many Afghans appeared to disregard Mr. Fitrat's pleas.

The New York Times

Veering from those procedures, he testified, would require a thorough explanation.

The New York Times

Check out this thorough explanation of the pre-existing condition exclusion: www.dol.gov/elaws/ebsa/health/glossary.htm?wd=Preexisting_Condition_Exclusion.

The New York Times - Health

Gov. Patrick J. Quinn said Mr. Burris owed the public a thorough explanation, saying, "The more sunlight the better".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "thorough explanation", ensure that the subsequent details genuinely provide a complete and comprehensive understanding of the topic. Avoid using the phrase if the explanation is only superficial.

Common error

Avoid using "thorough explanation" as a placeholder or introductory phrase without delivering the promised depth and detail. Ensure your explanation lives up to the expectation set by the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thorough explanation" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "thorough" modifies the noun "explanation". It describes the quality or extent of the explanation provided. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

29%

News & Media

41%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thorough explanation" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a detailed and comprehensive account of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, and the phrase appears frequently in academic, news, and scientific contexts. When using "thorough explanation", ensure the subsequent explanation fulfills the implied promise of completeness and depth. Alternatives like "detailed explanation" or "comprehensive explanation" can be used to add variety to your writing while conveying a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detailed explanation

Focuses on the level of detail provided in the explanation.

comprehensive explanation

Emphasizes the completeness and scope of the explanation.

in-depth explanation

Highlights the depth and intensity of the explanation.

exhaustive explanation

Suggests that every aspect has been covered completely.

complete account

Shifts from 'explanation' to 'account', implying a full narrative.

full exposition

Uses a more formal term ('exposition') for a detailed presentation.

elaborate discussion

Replaces 'explanation' with 'discussion', indicating a more interactive exchange.

meticulous breakdown

Focuses on a step-by-step, careful analysis rather than a general explanation.

painstaking account

Highlights the effort and care put into providing a detailed account.

broad overview

Suggests a wider scope of the explanation.

FAQs

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

You can use "thorough explanation" to describe something that clarifies complex topics. For example, "The professor gave a "thorough explanation" of quantum physics".

What is a good alternative to "thorough explanation"?

Some alternatives include "detailed explanation", "comprehensive explanation", or "in-depth analysis". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "thorough explanation" formal or informal?

"Thorough explanation" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and the audience. It is generally considered neutral in tone.

What makes an explanation "thorough"?

A "thorough explanation" covers all relevant aspects of a topic, addresses potential questions or misunderstandings, and provides sufficient detail for the audience to understand the subject matter completely.