thorough reading

USAGE SUMMARY

"thorough reading" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that you read something in great detail. For example, "I did a thorough reading of the article before submitting it to my professor."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

A thorough reading by Hayes costs $250 .

The New Yorker

A thorough reading by Hayes costs $250..

The New Yorker

"He gave me the most thorough reading of the book that I have had — and it was bare knuckles, too".

The New York Times

Since Dante's description of Hell figures strongly in Mr. Pearl's murder mystery plot, a thorough reading of both books appears to be a must.

The New York Times

After peace returned and the tracks of rage were erased, I wrote my choice for him: "jyuku doku gan mi," "thorough reading enjoy taste," which means to read deeply.

The New York Times

FEW mortgage borrowers have had the fortitude for a thorough reading of all their loan paperwork, often feeling intimidated or overwhelmed by the legalese and numerical complexities in the disclosures.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

A thorough read of other chapters uncovers plenty of writing that is worth the effort.

The Guardian - Books

But the judges would be wise to give it a thorough read anyway.

The Economist

Within minutes of its appearance in Portuguese bookshops, the McCanns' spokesman let it be known their lawyers would be giving it a thorough read, with an eye to the kind of libel action that ended up costing the Express group £500,000 earlier this year.

The Guardian - Books

By the time I meet him he’s already mowed through his daily breakfast of congee and vegetables, a thorough read of the international news and a round of golf near the home he has lived in for the past 50 years.

Forbes

The USDA also has a food safety fact sheet on tailgating that's worth a thorough read.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and precision in academic or professional writing, use "thorough reading" to underscore a comprehensive understanding. Always follow up with specific examples or evidence to demonstrate the depth of your comprehension.

Common error

Avoid using "thorough reading" if you only skimmed the material or focused on specific sections. Use it only when you have genuinely engaged with the material in its entirety to avoid misleading your audience about the depth of your understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thorough reading" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "thorough" modifies the noun "reading". It denotes the act of reading something in a comprehensive and detailed manner. This usage is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its correct grammatical structure and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

34%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thorough reading" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes a comprehensive and detailed approach to reading. As confirmed by Ludwig, its function is to emphasize depth and completeness. While applicable across various registers, it finds particular prominence in academic, scientific and news contexts. To ensure effective communication, use this phrase when you've genuinely engaged with the material in its entirety and provide evidence of your comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in-depth analysis

Replaces the general act of reading with a focus on analytical understanding.

close scrutiny

Shifts the focus to careful and detailed examination rather than general reading.

detailed examination

Emphasizes the level of detail involved in the analysis.

careful perusal

Replaces common words with a slightly more formal tone and sophisticated term for examination.

comprehensive review

Highlights the breadth and completeness of the reading process.

critical assessment

Focuses on evaluating the content's merits and demerits during the reading.

deep dive

Uses a more informal term to indicate a thorough and intensive investigation.

meticulous study

Emphasizes the precision and attentiveness applied during reading.

exhaustive investigation

Emphasizes completeness of review while investigating subject matter.

diligent review

Highlights the consistent effort applied during the reading process.

FAQs

How can I effectively perform a "thorough reading"?

A "thorough reading" involves more than just passively scanning text. Engage actively by taking notes, highlighting key points, and summarizing sections in your own words. This approach ensures deeper comprehension and retention.

What's the difference between a "thorough reading" and a simple read-through?

A simple read-through is a general overview, while a "thorough reading" implies a detailed and analytical engagement with the material. "Thorough reading" ensures a comprehensive understanding, while a simple read-through may only provide a superficial grasp of the content.

When is it appropriate to mention that I performed a "thorough reading"?

Mentioning a "thorough reading" is appropriate in academic papers, professional reports, or critical reviews where demonstrating deep understanding is crucial. It signals that you have carefully considered all aspects of the material.

Are there synonyms for "thorough reading" that I can use to vary my writing?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "in-depth analysis", "close scrutiny", or "detailed examination" to express similar ideas. Choose the synonym that best fits the specific context and the nuance you want to convey. See more alternatives "in-depth analysis", "close scrutiny", and "detailed examination".