to detail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to detail" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a verb to indicate providing a thorough description of something. For example, "The salesman took extra care to detail all of the features of the car before the customer made a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

More attention to detail".

The New Yorker

It's attention to detail.

The New York Times - Sports

"I think attention to detail.

The Guardian

Attention to detail is important.

The New York Times - Sports

Good attention to detail there.

The New York Times

Meticulous attention to detail.

The New York Times - Sports

Such attention to detail delights López.

The New Yorker

It screamed, "Attention to detail: German engineering".

The New York Times

The attention to detail is meticulous.

The Economist

"There's the same attention to detail".

The New York Times

"You would lose that attention to detail".

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to detail" when you want to emphasize a thorough and careful explanation of something. It's particularly effective when precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "to detail" in very casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "to explain" or "to describe" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to detail" functions as an infinitive, often used as part of a verb phrase. It signifies the action of providing a comprehensive account or description, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to detail" functions as an infinitive verb phrase, indicating a thorough explanation or description. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct. While relatively rare in occurrence, it finds its place in professional and news contexts, emphasizing precision and completeness. Remember to consider the formality of the situation when choosing between "to detail" and simpler alternatives like "to describe" or "to explain". Top authoritative sources using this term include The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to specify

Focuses on stating something explicitly and precisely, reducing ambiguity.

to elaborate

Implies expanding on an existing point with more information.

to explain in depth

Highlights the thoroughness of the explanation.

to break down

Suggests dividing a complex topic into simpler parts for clarity.

to clarify

Emphasizes making something easier to understand by removing confusion.

to delineate

Focuses on clearly defining or marking the boundaries of something.

to set forth

Implies presenting information in an organized and systematic way.

to spell out

Means to explain something very clearly and simply, leaving no room for doubt.

to describe fully

Highlights the completeness of the description.

to present comprehensively

Indicates a wide-ranging and thorough presentation of information.

FAQs

How can I use "to detail" in a sentence?

You can use "to detail" as in "The consultant was asked to detail the project's potential risks" or "The report will detail the findings of the investigation".

What are some alternatives to "to detail"?

Alternatives include "to specify", "to elaborate", or "to explain in depth", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "to detail" formal or informal?

"To detail" tends to be more formal. In casual settings, simpler alternatives like "to explain" or "to describe" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "to detail" and "to describe"?

"To describe" is a general term for giving an account of something. "To detail" implies a more thorough and meticulous description, focusing on specific aspects or elements.