thorough idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thorough idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you have a detailed or comprehensive concept of something. For example, "I have a thorough idea of what I need to do in order to finish this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Selma, as written, is an opaque character, but Ms. Posey, by turns coy, exasperated and shrill, seems lost almost to the point of panic in her search for a thorough idea.

The New York Times

Try on as much as you can and study yourself in the dressing room mirror to get a thorough idea of what flatters you most.

WikiHow

This gives potential subscribers a way to look through multiple copies of your newsletter for a more thorough idea of what they will receive by signing up.

WikiHow

This will help the specialist to have a thorough idea about the thickness and properties of your hair which would help them to decide the radiation intensity to use.

WikiHow

This picture will give you a thorough idea of the effectiveness of your microdermabrasion treatment, since you can compare the texture and appearance of your skin before and after your session.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The final project must represent a thorough design idea documented by material investigations, models, prototypes, drawings, tectonic strategy and sections, overall and partial views, and diagrams illustrating the concept and its development into a coherent architectural proposal.

Cornell University

The topics are so complex that even my skilled local guides, Kezang and Norzang, prefaced every explanation with, "This is just my understanding," and made sure that both spoke every time to give us a more thorough, nuanced idea of things.

Forbes

— Mark Purdy (@MercPurdy) 23 Jul 12 12 40 p.m. | Updated Dan Wetzel of Yahoo.com again weighs in (you have to hand it to him for being fast and thorough), rebutting the idea that these penalties are worse than the death penalty.

The New York Times

Political systems benefit from a thorough competition of ideas and from a regular substitution of one ruling elite for another.

The Guardian - Opinion

In lesser hands, this would lead to a confused assortment, but Hamilton has built a compelling and thorough structure of ideas and images that continually morphs and grows.

The Guardian

So, being the savvy people they are, when entrepreneurs want to test something that they're about to bring to market, they go out and find beta testers to give their ideas thorough vetting.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, use "thorough idea" to convey a comprehensive and well-considered concept. Ensure the context supports the need for detail and completeness.

Common error

While "thorough idea" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "good understanding" or "clear concept" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thorough idea" functions as a noun phrase, where "thorough" modifies the noun "idea". This indicates a detailed and comprehensive concept. Ludwig confirms the phrase's usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thorough idea" is a grammatically sound way to express a complete and detailed concept. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, it's essential to consider the context when using it. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is more common in academic writing and news reporting than in casual conversation. Related phrases like "comprehensive concept" and "detailed plan" can offer suitable alternatives. Remember to use "thorough idea" when you want to emphasize the depth and completeness of an idea, but be mindful of the tone and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comprehensive concept

Replaces "thorough idea" with synonyms emphasizing completeness and understanding.

detailed plan

Focuses on the planning aspect, highlighting the level of detail involved.

well-developed thought

Emphasizes the maturity and refinement of the idea.

complete understanding

Shifts the focus from the idea itself to the comprehension of a subject.

in-depth analysis

Highlights the analytical rigor and depth of the idea's examination.

exhaustive knowledge

Highlights the completeness and extensiveness of the knowledge.

meticulous assessment

Stresses the care and precision taken in forming the idea.

rigorous framework

Highlights the structured and disciplined approach to the idea.

solid grasp

Conveys a firm and confident understanding of the idea.

profound insight

Implies a deep and significant understanding of the matter.

FAQs

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

You can use "thorough idea" to express a comprehensive understanding or plan, as in "The researcher has a "thorough idea" of the subject matter after years of study".

What are some alternatives to saying "thorough idea"?

Alternatives include "comprehensive understanding", "detailed plan", or "well-developed thought", depending on the specific context.

Is "thorough idea" too formal for casual conversation?

In some casual contexts, "thorough idea" might sound overly formal. Consider using simpler phrases like "good understanding" or "clear concept" instead.

How does "thorough idea" differ from "good idea"?

"Thorough idea" implies a more comprehensive and detailed concept compared to "good idea", which simply suggests a favorable or beneficial concept.