thorough looking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thorough looking" is not correct in standard written English.
It seems to be an attempt to describe something that appears to be comprehensive or detailed, but it is not a commonly used expression. An example could be: "The report was thorough looking, covering all aspects of the project."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If you're purchasing it locally or from a store, pick the lens up and give it a thorough looking over.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I Took a Very Thorough Look Through British MP's Twitter Favourites.

Vice

I Took a Very Thorough Look Through British MPs' Twitter Favourites.

Vice

Smaller hoverflies, on the other hand, are less attractive and may receive a less thorough look.

The New York Times - Science

A more thorough look at the science would have made for a more balanced article.

The New York Times

His board gives an applicant's net worth statements the most thorough look.

The New York Times

"Have a thorough look at the website and discover everything you can about the ethos.

The Guardian

The report, "Forced Labor and the Catholic Church 1939-1945," is the most thorough look at the issue.

The New York Times

Some held their palms up and swiveled their heads, beckoning a thorough look at the destruction.

The New York Times

When McCarthy looked for it at the Natural History Museum (and it was a very thorough look) it was not there.

The Guardian

The Education Department's site is worth a thorough look, too, as is the New America Foundation's income-based repayment calculator.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "thorough looking" in formal writing. Opt for more standard phrases like "thorough examination" or "detailed review" for clarity and professionalism.

Common error

Don't force the phrase "thorough looking" where a more common and grammatically sound option fits better. It often sounds awkward and unnatural to native English speakers. Instead consider saying "thorough examination" or "detailed review".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thorough looking" functions as an adjective phrase attempting to describe something as comprehensive or detailed in its appearance or assessment. However, it's not a standard or widely accepted grammatical construct in English. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's considered incorrect.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "thorough looking" might seem like a straightforward way to describe something that appears comprehensive, Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it's not considered standard English. As Ludwig AI clearly states, the phrase is not correct in standard written English. It's rarely used and can sound awkward. Therefore, it's best to opt for more common and grammatically sound alternatives such as "thorough examination", "detailed review", or "careful inspection" to ensure clarity and professionalism in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thorough examination

Replaces the verb-like adjective with a noun, creating a more standard and grammatically correct phrase.

careful inspection

Suggests a detailed and cautious observation, emphasizing the attention to detail.

detailed review

Implies a comprehensive assessment covering all aspects.

in-depth analysis

Indicates a deep and thorough investigation to understand something fully.

comprehensive assessment

Highlights the completeness and breadth of the evaluation.

close scrutiny

Emphasizes careful and critical observation.

exhaustive investigation

Indicates a thorough and complete inquiry, leaving no stone unturned.

meticulous survey

Implies a highly detailed and precise examination.

critical evaluation

Suggests a balanced and objective assessment of strengths and weaknesses.

extensive study

Highlights the breadth and depth of research or analysis.

FAQs

Is "thorough looking" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "thorough looking" is not considered standard English. It's better to use phrases like "thorough examination" or "detailed review".

What's a better alternative to "thorough looking"?

Consider using alternatives such as "thorough examination", "careful inspection", or "detailed review" depending on the specific context.

Can "thorough looking" be used to describe a person?

While technically possible, it would be unusual. It's more common to use it to describe a process or examination, not a person. Describing a person it would be appropriate using adjective such as "careful", "meticulous" or "conscientious".

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

Instead of saying "give it a thorough looking over", you can say "give it a thorough examination" or "conduct a detailed review".