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Meaning & use

thorough check

noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈθʌrə tʃek/
US/ˈθɜːroʊ tʃek/

Meanings

  1. nouncountable

    A complete and careful examination of something to make sure it is correct, safe, or working properly.

    Grammar: Countable: you can say 'a thorough check' or 'thorough checks'. Often followed by 'of' or 'on'.

    Patterns

    • a thorough check of something
    • a thorough check on something
    • do a thorough check
    • carry out a thorough check

    The mechanic did a thorough check of the engine before the long trip.

    We need a thorough check on all the accounts before the audit.

    After a thorough check, the doctor found no signs of infection.

  2. nouncountable

    An act of looking at someone or something in a detailed way to find any problems or mistakes.

    Grammar: Countable; often used with 'give' or 'make': 'give it a thorough check'.

    Patterns

    • give something a thorough check
    • make a thorough check
    • a thorough check for something

    Give the report a thorough check for spelling mistakes before you send it.

    The security team made a thorough check for any hidden cameras.

    A thorough check for leaks should be done every year.

Word forms

pluralthorough checks

Common combinations

do a thorough check
Please do a thorough check of the data before the meeting.
a thorough check of
The police made a thorough check of the building.
a thorough check on
We ran a thorough check on the new employee's references.
give something a thorough check
Give the car a thorough check before you buy it.
a thorough check for
The lab did a thorough check for contamination.

Synonyms and how they differ

full inspection
More formal and often used for official examinations of buildings or equipment.
close examination
Focuses on looking very carefully at details, not necessarily checking for faults.
going-over
Informal; means a careful examination, often to find problems.

Opposites

quick lookcursory check

Word family

thoroughly adverb
In a complete and careful way: 'She checked the work thoroughly.'
thoroughness noun
The quality of being complete and careful: 'His thoroughness impressed the boss.'
check verb
To examine something to make sure it is correct or safe.

Commonly confused: thorough check or through check?

thorough check vs through check

'Through check' is not a standard phrase. You might be thinking of 'thorough check' (complete and careful) or 'check-through' (a quick read).

Practice

The doctor gave my heart a ______ check.

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