to be thorough

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be thorough" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to express a desire to be comprehensive and complete when doing something. For example: "I want to be thorough in my research before making any decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It needs to be thorough and impartial.

The New York Times

"We're going to be thorough".

The New York Times

But take a look to be thorough".

The Guardian

But everybody wants to be thorough, too.

The New York Times - Sports

There is no ambition to be thorough.

The Guardian

"We have to be thorough in all of this.

The New York Times - Sports

I wanted the selection process to be thorough and dignified.

The New York Times

"I just want to be thorough and fair".

The New York Times - Sports

We want to be thorough, we want to be accurate".

The New York Times

He offered lamely, "I like to be thorough".

The New York Times

But Wonder remains keen enough to be thorough.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for "to be thorough", always double-check your work. Ensure you've covered all necessary angles and haven't missed any critical details. This is particularly useful in research or investigations.

Common error

Avoid excessive detail that doesn't contribute meaningfully to the overall objective. Being "to be thorough" doesn't mean including irrelevant information; it means covering all relevant aspects comprehensively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be thorough" functions primarily as an infinitive phrase, often used to express the purpose or intention behind an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its role in emphasizing the need for completeness and attention to detail.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be thorough" is a common and grammatically sound infinitive phrase used to express the necessity of completeness and attention to detail. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and wide acceptance. While it appears in various contexts, it is most frequent in news, scientific publications, and wiki articles. When using this phrase, remember to balance comprehensiveness with relevance, avoiding unnecessary detail. Consider alternatives like "to be exhaustive" or "to be meticulous" to fine-tune your meaning. Overall, "to be thorough" is a valuable tool for emphasizing the importance of a detailed and comprehensive approach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be exhaustive

This alternative emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the action, implying that all possible aspects have been covered.

to be meticulous

This alternative focuses on the attention to detail and precision involved in the action.

to be comprehensive

This alternative highlights the inclusion of all relevant details and aspects.

to be detailed

This alternative emphasizes the inclusion of many specifics and nuances.

to be diligent

This alternative focuses on the careful and persistent effort put into the action.

to be scrupulous

This alternative suggests a high level of moral or ethical rigor and attention to detail.

to be methodical

This alternative emphasizes a systematic and orderly approach.

to be painstaking

This alternative suggests that great care and effort were taken, often over a long period.

to be attentive

This alternative concentrates on paying close and careful attention.

to be accurate

This alternative focuses on ensuring correctness and freedom from error.

FAQs

How can I use "to be thorough" in a sentence?

You can use "to be thorough" to describe the need for completeness and attention to detail. For example, "It's important "to be thorough" when reviewing financial statements."

What are some alternatives to "to be thorough"?

Alternatives include "to be exhaustive", "to be meticulous", or "to be comprehensive", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to be "to be thorough"?

While thoroughness is often valuable, it's not always necessary or efficient. The level of detail required depends on the context and the potential consequences of errors. Sometimes, a more superficial approach is sufficient.

What's the difference between "to be thorough" and "to be meticulous"?

"To be thorough" implies covering all relevant aspects, while "to be meticulous" suggests a high level of precision and attention to detail, potentially even beyond what is strictly necessary.