Thoroughgoing vs Thorough: When To Use Each One In Writing?

When it comes to the English language, it’s easy to get tripped up on words that seem similar but have different meanings. Two such words are “thoroughgoing” and “thorough.” While they may look and sound alike, they have distinct definitions that are important to understand in order to use them correctly.

Let’s answer the question of which word is the proper one to use. The answer is: it depends on the context. In general, “thorough” is the more commonly used word and can be used in a variety of situations. “Thoroughgoing,” on the other hand, is a bit more specific and is typically used to describe a person or thing that is extremely thorough in their actions or beliefs.

To be more specific, “thoroughgoing” means complete or absolute, often in the sense of being very thorough or comprehensive. For example, a “thoroughgoing analysis” would be a very detailed and in-depth examination of a particular subject. On the other hand, “thorough” simply means complete or done with great care and attention to detail. It can be used in a wide range of situations, from describing a thorough cleaning of a room to a thorough investigation of a crime.

Now that we’ve cleared up the difference between these two words, let’s dive into why it’s important to use them correctly. Using the wrong word can not only lead to confusion, but it can also undermine your credibility as a writer or speaker. By understanding the nuances of these two words, you can ensure that you’re using them in the right context and conveying your message clearly and effectively.

Thoroughgoing

Thoroughgoing is an adjective that describes something that is complete, comprehensive, and exhaustive. It indicates that something has been done in a detailed and meticulous manner, leaving no stone unturned. In other words, it implies that the subject has been examined or analyzed completely and thoroughly.

For instance, a thoroughgoing analysis of a company’s financial statements would involve a detailed examination of all its income and expenses, assets and liabilities, and cash flows. Similarly, a thoroughgoing investigation of a crime would involve a comprehensive examination of all the available evidence, including witness testimonies, forensic reports, and surveillance footage.

Thorough

Thorough is also an adjective that means complete, comprehensive, and detailed. However, it is not as intense as thoroughgoing. It implies that something has been done with great care and attention to detail, but there may be some aspects that have not been examined or analyzed.

For example, a thorough cleaning of a house would involve cleaning every room, surface, and object, but it may not include cleaning the gutters or the attic. Similarly, a thorough understanding of a subject would involve studying all the relevant material and concepts, but it may not cover every single detail or nuance.

Comparison between Thoroughgoing and Thorough

	Thoroughgoing	Thorough
Intensity	High	Medium
Scope	Complete	Comprehensive
Exhaustiveness	Exhaustive	Detailed
Examples	A thoroughgoing analysis of a company’s financial statements	A thorough cleaning of a house

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to writing, choosing the right word can make all the difference. In this section, we will explore the proper usage of the words thoroughgoing and thorough in a sentence.

How To Use Thoroughgoing In A Sentence

The word thoroughgoing is an adjective that means complete or absolute. It is often used to describe a person or thing that is characterized by thoroughness in all aspects. Here are some examples of how to use thoroughgoing in a sentence:

• Our company has a thoroughgoing commitment to ethical business practices.
• The new employee underwent a thoroughgoing training program.
• The book provides a thoroughgoing analysis of the issue.

As you can see from these examples, thoroughgoing is used to describe something that is complete or all-encompassing. It is often used to convey a sense of thoroughness and completeness.

How To Use Thorough In A Sentence

The word thorough is an adjective that means complete or exhaustive. It is often used to describe a person or thing that is characterized by attention to detail and completeness. Here are some examples of how to use thorough in a sentence:

• The lawyer conducted a thorough investigation of the case.
• The doctor performed a thorough examination of the patient.
• The teacher gave a thorough explanation of the concept.

As you can see from these examples, thorough is used to describe something that is complete or exhaustive. It is often used to convey a sense of attention to detail and completeness.

Overall, it is important to choose the right word when writing to convey the intended meaning. By understanding the proper usage of thoroughgoing and thorough in a sentence, you can improve the clarity and effectiveness of your writing.

More Examples Of Thoroughgoing & Thorough Used In Sentences

In order to further understand the difference between thoroughgoing and thorough, let’s take a look at some examples of how they are used in sentences.

Examples Of Using Thoroughgoing In A Sentence

• The new CEO is planning a thoroughgoing review of the company’s operations.
• Her thoroughgoing analysis of the data revealed some interesting insights.
• The author’s thoroughgoing research is evident in the depth of the book.
• The government’s new policy is a thoroughgoing reform of the healthcare system.
• His thoroughgoing approach to problem-solving always leads to effective solutions.
• The team’s thoroughgoing preparation paid off in their victory.
• The project requires a thoroughgoing understanding of the subject matter.
• Her thoroughgoing commitment to the project inspired the team.
• The company underwent a thoroughgoing reorganization to improve efficiency.
• The professor’s thoroughgoing knowledge of the subject made the lecture engaging.

Examples Of Using Thorough In A Sentence

• The detective conducted a thorough investigation of the crime scene.
• She made a thorough examination of the patient’s medical history.
• The contractor did a thorough job of repairing the roof.
• He gave a thorough presentation on the benefits of the new product.
• The teacher’s thorough explanation helped the students understand the concept.
• The journalist conducted a thorough interview with the politician.
• The lawyer did a thorough review of the contract before signing.
• The chef’s thorough preparation resulted in a delicious meal.
• The auditor conducted a thorough review of the company’s financial records.
• The scientist conducted a thorough experiment to test the hypothesis.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “thoroughgoing” and “thorough,” people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have different meanings and should be used in their appropriate contexts. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Thorough” When “Thoroughgoing” Is Needed

One common mistake is using “thorough” when “thoroughgoing” is needed. “Thorough” means complete or exhaustive, while “thoroughgoing” means absolute or extreme. For example, saying “I did a thorough search of the house” implies that you searched every nook and cranny, while saying “I have a thoroughgoing dislike for spiders” means that you absolutely detest spiders.

Using “Thoroughgoing” When “Thorough” Is Needed

Conversely, another mistake is using “thoroughgoing” when “thorough” is needed. “Thorough” is a more general term that can be used in a variety of contexts, while “thoroughgoing” is more specific and extreme. For example, saying “I have a thorough understanding of the subject” is appropriate, while saying “I have a thoroughgoing understanding of the subject” is excessive and unnecessary.

Not Considering Context

Another mistake is not considering the context in which the words are being used. Depending on the situation, one word may be more appropriate than the other. For example, in legal contexts, “thoroughgoing” may be used to describe a complete and comprehensive investigation, while in everyday conversation, “thorough” would suffice.

Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes

To avoid these mistakes, it’s important to understand the meanings of both words and to consider the context in which they are being used. Here are some tips:

• Look up the definitions of both words to ensure you are using them correctly.
• Consider the context in which the words are being used.
• If in doubt, use “thorough” as it is a more general term that can be used in a variety of contexts.

Context Matters

Choosing between the words thoroughgoing and thorough can be influenced by the context in which they are used. The meaning of these words varies depending on the situation, and it is important to understand the nuances of each word to use them effectively.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are some examples of different contexts in which the choice between thoroughgoing and thorough might change:

Context	Thoroughgoing	Thorough
Legal Proceedings	A thoroughgoing investigation would involve examining all available evidence and interviewing all witnesses.	A thorough review of the documents is necessary before proceeding with the case.
Scientific Research	A thoroughgoing analysis of the data would require examining all variables and conducting multiple experiments.	A thorough examination of the specimens is necessary to draw accurate conclusions.
Personal Relationships	A thoroughgoing commitment to the relationship would involve working through any challenges and making sacrifices for the other person.	A thorough understanding of each other’s needs is necessary for a healthy relationship.

In legal proceedings, thoroughgoing implies a more comprehensive investigation, while thorough suggests a complete review of the necessary documents. In scientific research, thoroughgoing implies a more exhaustive analysis, while thorough suggests a complete examination of the available specimens. In personal relationships, thoroughgoing implies a more dedicated commitment, while thorough suggests a complete understanding of each other’s needs.

Therefore, understanding the context in which these words are used is essential for effective communication. By using the appropriate word, you can convey your message more clearly and accurately.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using thoroughgoing and thorough are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind. Here are a few cases where the rules might not apply:

1. Colloquial Usage

Thoroughgoing and thorough are both commonly used in colloquial speech to mean “complete” or “comprehensive.” In these cases, the distinction between the two words is less important.

For example, someone might say “I did a thorough job cleaning the house” or “I did a thoroughgoing search of the attic” to mean the same thing.

2. Regional Differences

In some regions, one word might be more commonly used than the other, regardless of the context. For example, in British English, thoroughgoing is more commonly used than thorough.

It’s important to be aware of these regional differences when communicating with people from different areas.

3. Technical Jargon

In some technical fields, such as law or philosophy, thoroughgoing might have a specific meaning that differs from its general usage.

For example, in legal contexts, thoroughgoing might refer to a legal principle that applies across all cases, while thorough might simply refer to a complete analysis of a specific case.

4. Personal Preference

Finally, it’s worth noting that some people might simply prefer one word over the other, regardless of the context or rules.

While it’s important to be aware of the rules and guidelines for using these words correctly, ultimately the choice between thoroughgoing and thorough comes down to personal preference.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of thoroughgoing and thorough is through practice exercises. Here are a few exercises to get you started:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word (thoroughgoing or thorough) to fill in the blank in each sentence below:

1. The detective conducted a __________ investigation of the crime scene.
2. The company conducted a __________ review of its financial records.
3. The politician was known for his __________ commitment to social justice.
4. The teacher gave a __________ explanation of the math problem.

Answer key:

1. thoroughgoing
2. thorough
3. thoroughgoing
4. thorough

Exercise 2: Sentence Completion

Complete each sentence below with either thoroughgoing or thorough:

1. The __________ nature of her research was evident in the extensive data collection.
2. He was __________ in his analysis of the problem, leaving no stone unturned.
3. The __________ review of the manuscript revealed several errors.
4. The __________ approach to the project ensured its success.

Answer key:

1. thoroughgoing
2. thorough
3. thorough
4. thoroughgoing

By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of thoroughgoing and thorough in your writing and communication.

Conclusion

After exploring the nuances of the words “thoroughgoing” and “thorough,” it’s clear that these two words are not interchangeable. While they share similarities in meaning, “thoroughgoing” suggests completeness and thoroughness to a greater extent than “thorough.”

It’s important to be mindful of the specific context in which these words are used, as using one when the other is more appropriate can lead to confusion or misunderstandings. Additionally, being aware of these subtle differences can enhance one’s writing and communication skills.

Key Takeaways:

• “Thoroughgoing” implies a more comprehensive and exhaustive level of thoroughness than “thorough.”
• Context is key when deciding which word to use.
• Being aware of subtle differences in language use can improve communication skills.

As with any aspect of language and grammar, there is always more to learn and explore. By continuing to educate ourselves on these topics, we can become more effective communicators and writers.