thoroughly understand

USAGE SUMMARY

'thoroughly understand' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the fact that you have a deep and comprehensive understanding of something. Example sentence: I've read the material several times and I think I thoroughly understand the concepts.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I believe I thoroughly understand and I am following them to the letter".

The Guardian

That sort of purge is a thing we don't thoroughly understand.

The New Yorker

"The key is to thoroughly understand the vehicle's dynamics and N.V.H. sources up front," Mr. Federico said.

The New York Times

This leaves an impression that Procter's concern with tax efficiency outweighed a desire to more thoroughly understand Diamond.

The New York Times

Always reluctant to invest in companies whose operations he didn't thoroughly understand, Buffett said that A.I.G. was too complicated.

The New Yorker

You need to thoroughly understand the competition and effectively communicate the unique advantages of your product.

TechCrunch

Without a global gene map of the insect cells, we cannot thoroughly understand glycosylation related problems.

Protein & Cell

It will contribute to more thoroughly understand the characteristic of metal oxide gas sensor.

Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical

Micro-charting can serve as a way to thoroughly understand in a detailed way how a text is put together.

Smart Learning Environments

Beyond this rudimentary knowledge, founders should thoroughly understand the solutions being offered by their competitors, which market segments they are addressing and how they are selling.

TechCrunch

He has also worked closely with our regional operations to thoroughly understand the needs of our marketing and channels at the front end operations.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, use "thoroughly understand" to emphasize a need for deep comprehension, especially in technical or complex contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "thoroughly understand" when a simpler term like "understand" or "know" would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thoroughly understand" functions as a verb phrase, where 'thoroughly' intensifies the action of 'understand'. As Ludwig AI explains, it emphasizes a deep and comprehensive understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thoroughly understand" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize a deep and comprehensive level of understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. While predominantly found in scientific and news media, as well as wiki contexts, it is important to avoid overuse in simple situations where a less formal term would suffice. Related phrases like "grasp comprehensively" or "fully comprehend" can offer stylistic variations. When communicating complex topics, the use of “thoroughly understand” can reinforce the need for complete comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Grasp comprehensively

Emphasizes complete and full understanding.

Fully comprehend

Highlights the completeness of the understanding.

Deeply appreciate

Focuses on understanding with a sense of value and significance.

Have a firm grasp of

Indicates a secure and solid understanding.

Apprehend fully

Stresses a complete and thorough mental grasp.

Intimately know

Suggests a very close and detailed understanding.

Master completely

Focuses on achieving complete control and understanding.

Possess complete insight into

Highlights having a deep and penetrating understanding.

Be well-versed in

Implies a thorough knowledge gained through study or experience.

Discern clearly

Emphasizes a clear and distinct understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "thoroughly understand" in a sentence?

You can use "thoroughly understand" to emphasize the depth of your comprehension, such as, "Before investing, make sure you thoroughly understand the risks involved."

What are some alternatives to "thoroughly understand"?

You can use alternatives like "fully comprehend", "grasp comprehensively", or "deeply appreciate" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "understand thoroughly" or "thoroughly understand"?

"Thoroughly understand" is generally preferred because the adverb "thoroughly" modifies the verb "understand" more directly when placed before it. "Understand thoroughly" is grammatically correct, but sounds less natural.

What does it mean to "thoroughly understand" something?

To "thoroughly understand" something means to have a complete, detailed, and in-depth comprehension of it, leaving no significant aspects unconsidered. It goes beyond a superficial or basic understanding.