thorough man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thorough man" is grammatically correct and is commonly used in spoken and written English.
It means a person who pays attention to detail, works with great care, and does a job thoroughly and completely. For example, "He's a very thorough man; he double-checks everything he does to make sure it's done right."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

He was an unusually thorough man, at times too thorough for our liking.

Independent

Where Garrison, though utterly passionate and courageous in his denunciations, was a thorough man of the North, with lawyerly-journalistic gifts of argument and irony, Brown was a man of romantic feeling.

The New Yorker

"He totally went against all the stereotypes of homeless folks," said Jon Bunge, a caseworker with Project Hope, another of the social service agencies that found work for the "soft-spoken, incredibly thorough" man who listed his best quality as his love of learning.

The New York Times

The thorough man of business knows that only by years of patient, unremitting attention to affairs can he earn his reward, which is the result, not of chance, but of well-devised means for the attainment to ends.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

I found him to be a hardworking, thorough, decent man.

The New York Times

People who knew him described him as a thoughtful and thorough young man, an accomplished chess player and class monitor with a liking for athletics and a readiness to help out.

The New York Times

Prosecutors on Thursday presented evidence to show how thorough Private Manning was in collecting the documents that he handed over to WikiLeaks.

The New York Times

The quiz is directed at women because we tend to be more thorough than men when it comes to understanding things before we act.

Forbes

Following a thorough investigation the man was released with no further action to be taken against him," the police said.

The Guardian

"After thorough analysis, the men's selection committee determined that Usada's ruling did not affect either of those decisions".

The New York Times - Sports

I do believe that this film is his masterpiece: it's so rich in terms of ideas, feelings, sensations, and he has such a thorough understanding of men, women, the different stages of life and aspects of our contemporary society.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as a "thorough man", provide specific examples of his thoroughness to enhance the impact and credibility of your description. For instance, "He is a thorough man; he always researches every aspect before making a decision."

Common error

Avoid simply stating someone is a "thorough man" without providing context. Instead, illustrate how he is thorough and why it matters. Saying "He's a thorough man, which is why our projects are always well-executed" is much more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thorough man" functions primarily as a descriptive term, characterizing a man who is meticulous and attentive to detail. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly employed. Its usage serves to highlight the subject's diligence and careful approach.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thorough man" describes an individual known for their meticulous nature and attention to detail. While Ludwig confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and understandable, its frequency is uncommon. As the examples provided by Ludwig show, this descriptor is used across various contexts, from news reports to encyclopedic entries, consistently highlighting an individual's reliability and dedication to tasks. Alternatives such as "meticulous man" or "diligent man" offer similar meanings but with slightly different emphasis. When using "thorough man", remember to provide context and specific examples to enhance the impact of your description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meticulous man

Replaces "thorough" with "meticulous", emphasizing precision and attention to detail.

conscientious man

Substitutes "thorough" with "conscientious", highlighting his diligence and sense of responsibility.

diligent man

Replaces "thorough" with "diligent", emphasizing his persistent and careful effort.

painstaking man

Replaces "thorough" with "painstaking", highlighting his willingness to expend considerable effort and care.

assiduous man

Substitutes "thorough" with "assiduous", emphasizing his constant and attentive application.

detail-oriented man

Replaces "thorough" with "detail-oriented", focusing on his focus on details.

careful man

Substitutes "thorough" with "careful", emphasizing his attentiveness to avoid mistakes or harm.

precise man

Replaces "thorough" with "precise", underscoring his accuracy and exactness.

methodical man

Substitutes "thorough" with "methodical", highlighting his structured and organized approach.

systematic man

Replaces "thorough" with "systematic", stressing his adherence to a defined system or procedure.

FAQs

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

You can use "thorough man" to describe someone who is meticulous and pays close attention to detail. For example, "He's a "thorough man", always ensuring every task is completed to the highest standard".

What are some alternatives to "thorough man"?

Alternatives include "meticulous man", "diligent man", or "conscientious man". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "thorough man" or "very thorough man"?

While both are grammatically correct, "thorough man" is often sufficient. Adding "very" can emphasize the trait, but it's usually stronger to show his thoroughness through examples rather than relying on intensifiers.

What does it mean to be a "thorough man" in a professional setting?

In a professional context, being a "thorough man" implies that someone is reliable, detail-oriented, and dedicated to completing tasks with precision. It suggests that they are not only competent but also committed to doing things right.