In 15 Seconds
- A deep, careful look at all the small parts of something.
- Commonly used in business, science, and academic settings.
- Implies you have been very thorough and haven't missed anything.
Meaning
This phrase describes looking at something very closely to understand every tiny part. It is like using a magnifying glass on a problem or a report.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a business meeting
I have prepared a detailed analysis of our sales figures for this quarter.
I have prepared a thorough examination of our sales figures for this quarter.
Discussing a sports game
The commentator gave a detailed analysis of the team's defensive strategy.
The commentator gave a thorough examination of the team's defensive strategy.
Writing a school report
This essay provides a detailed analysis of the poem's imagery.
This essay provides a thorough examination of the poem's imagery.
Cultural Background
The phrase rose to prominence with the birth of modern management and data science in the late 20th century. It reflects a cultural shift toward 'evidence-based' decision-making rather than relying on intuition. In English-speaking corporate environments, providing a 'detailed analysis' is often seen as a sign of high-level competence and professional dedication.
Pair it with strong verbs
To sound like a native speaker, use verbs like 'conduct,' 'perform,' or 'provide' instead of just 'do' or 'make'.
Don't over-analyze
If you use this phrase for everything, you might seem 'stiff' or overly serious. Save it for things that actually have many parts.
In 15 Seconds
- A deep, careful look at all the small parts of something.
- Commonly used in business, science, and academic settings.
- Implies you have been very thorough and haven't missed anything.
What It Means
Detailed analysis is about going deep. It is not just a quick glance. You are breaking a big subject into small pieces. You want to see how everything works together. Imagine a mechanic looking at a broken engine. They do not just say it is broken. They perform a detailed analysis to find the exact loose bolt. It implies precision, care, and a lot of focus.
How To Use It
You usually use this as a noun phrase. You can 'provide', 'conduct', or 'request' a detailed analysis. It sounds smart but is easy to slot into sentences. Use it when you want to show you have done your homework. If you just say 'I looked at it,' people might doubt you. If you say 'I did a detailed analysis,' people start taking notes. It is a power phrase for your vocabulary.
When To Use It
Use it in the office when reviewing a project. Use it when talking about your favorite sports team's performance. You can even use it when choosing a new phone. 'I did a detailed analysis of the camera specs.' It works perfectly for school essays or scientific reports. It tells the listener that your opinion is based on facts, not just feelings.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for simple, emotional things. If your friend asks why you like a movie, do not say you did a detailed analysis. That makes you sound like a robot! Avoid it during a romantic dinner or a casual party. If you use it to describe why you chose a flavor of ice cream, your friends might laugh at you. Keep it for moments that actually require thinking.
Cultural Background
In Western work culture, people love data. We live in the 'Information Age.' Because of this, detailed analysis has become a buzzword. It suggests that you are objective and logical. It is often used to justify big decisions. If a company fires someone or spends millions, they claim it was based on a detailed analysis. It is the language of modern professionals and experts.
Common Variations
You might hear people say in-depth analysis or comprehensive review. These mean almost the same thing. Some people say granular look if they want to sound very trendy. If you want to be less formal, you can say 'a close look.' However, detailed analysis remains the gold standard for sounding reliable and thorough.
Usage Notes
This is a high-frequency collocation in professional English. It is safe to use in any formal or semi-formal setting, but avoid it in very casual, emotional conversations unless you are being funny.
Pair it with strong verbs
To sound like a native speaker, use verbs like 'conduct,' 'perform,' or 'provide' instead of just 'do' or 'make'.
Don't over-analyze
If you use this phrase for everything, you might seem 'stiff' or overly serious. Save it for things that actually have many parts.
The 'Analysis Paralysis' joke
In English, we have a joke called 'Analysis Paralysis.' It's when you do so much 'detailed analysis' that you never actually make a decision!
Examples
6I have prepared a detailed analysis of our sales figures for this quarter.
I have prepared a thorough examination of our sales figures for this quarter.
Shows the speaker is well-prepared and professional.
The commentator gave a detailed analysis of the team's defensive strategy.
The commentator gave a thorough examination of the team's defensive strategy.
Used to describe expert commentary.
This essay provides a detailed analysis of the poem's imagery.
This essay provides a thorough examination of the poem's imagery.
Standard academic phrasing.
I spent all night doing a detailed analysis of that plot twist!
I spent all night doing a thorough examination of that plot twist!
Slightly hyperbolic and enthusiastic.
My wife did a detailed analysis of my spending habits and I'm officially banned from the toy store.
My wife did a thorough examination of my spending habits and I'm officially banned from the toy store.
Uses formal language for a funny personal situation.
After a detailed analysis of our relationship, I think we need to change.
After a thorough examination of our relationship, I think we need to change.
Serious and heavy tone.
Test Yourself
Choose the best verb to complete the professional sentence.
The consultant will ___ a detailed analysis of the company's workflow.
'Conduct' is the most formal and common collocation used with 'analysis' in business.
Identify the most appropriate context for this phrase.
Which situation best fits the use of 'detailed analysis'?
Medical reports require the level of precision and thoroughness implied by 'detailed analysis'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Detailed Analysis'
Talking to friends about a hobby.
I did a quick check.
Discussing a topic in a blog or news.
Let's take a close look.
Business reports and academic papers.
A detailed analysis was performed.
Where to use Detailed Analysis
Financial Audit
Checking every penny spent.
Scientific Study
Examining cell behavior.
Legal Case
Reviewing evidence and laws.
Software Bug
Finding why the code crashed.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesThe consultant will ___ a detailed analysis of the company's workflow.
'Conduct' is the most formal and common collocation used with 'analysis' in business.
Which situation best fits the use of 'detailed analysis'?
Medical reports require the level of precision and thoroughness implied by 'detailed analysis'.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot at all! You can use it in business, sports, literature, or even when planning a complex vacation.
No, 'detailed' must be an adjective here. Always use detailed analysis with the '-ed' ending.
It can be used ironically or for humor in texts, like saying I did a detailed analysis of why you're late.
An 'analysis' is a general examination, while a detailed analysis emphasizes that you looked at every single tiny part.
No, you analyze things or situations, not people. You could say a person is 'analytical,' but not that they are a 'detailed analysis'.
Yes, in-depth analysis and detailed analysis are almost perfect synonyms and can be used interchangeably.
The most common are conduct, perform, provide, present, and undertake.
It is used equally in both! Just remember the spelling of 'analysis' (singular) vs 'analyses' (plural).
The stress is on the second syllable: uh-NAL-y-sis. It's a common mistake to stress the first part.
Yes, adding 'very' or 'highly' is a great way to add even more emphasis to how hard you worked.
Related Phrases
In-depth study
A very thorough investigation of a specific topic.
Comprehensive review
An examination that covers every possible aspect of something.
Close scrutiny
Very careful and critical observation or examination.
Breakdown
A simpler way to say you are dividing something into parts to explain it.
