If you’ve ever come across the words “throughly” and “thoroughly,” you may have wondered which one is the correct spelling. It’s easy to get confused since they are so similar in appearance. However, the correct spelling is “thoroughly.” Let’s learn the reasons why and explore some examples to understand its proper usage.
The word “thoroughly” is an adverb that conveys the idea of doing something with great attention to detail, completeness, or accuracy. It derives from the adjective “thorough,” which means complete or exhaustive. When we add the suffix “-ly” to “thorough,” we transform it into an adverb. It is important to note that the word “throughly” does not exist in standard English and is considered incorrect.
To understand the distinction between these two words, consider the following example: “I cleaned the house thoroughly.” Here, “thoroughly” emphasizes just how meticulously and completely the cleaning was done. On the contrary, if we were to use the non-existent word “throughly” in this sentence, it would sound awkward and ungrammatical.
Another point worth mentioning is that “thoroughly” is commonly used in the context of exams and assessments. For instance, when preparing for the IELTS exam, it is essential to study thoroughly to achieve your desired score. This means spending enough time and effort, leaving no stone unturned in your preparation. Imagine the advantage of going into the exam having thoroughly studied all the required material, compared to going in unprepared or only briefly reviewing the topics.
In addition to exams, the adverb “thoroughly” can be used in various other contexts, such as researching a topic thoroughly before writing a paper, investigating a crime thoroughly to gather evidence, or understanding a concept thoroughly before explaining it to others.
To better illustrate the correct usage of “thoroughly,” let’s take a look at a few more examples:
1. “She examined the patient thoroughly, checking every possible symptom.”
2. “After reading the book thoroughly, I was able to write a comprehensive review.”
3. “He cleaned the car thoroughly, removing all the dirt and grime.”
These examples demonstrate how “thoroughly” emphasizes the completeness of an action or process. It reinforces the idea that no part was overlooked or neglected.
On the other hand, if we were to use the incorrect spelling “throughly” in these sentences, they would appear nonsensical. For instance, “She examined the patient throughly” would suggest the patient was examined with some kind of instrument called “thru,” which is clearly not the intended meaning.
In conclusion, the correct spelling is “thoroughly,” and it serves as an essential adverb in the English language. Its purpose is to emphasize the completeness, precision, and attention to detail in an action or process. Remember, using the incorrect spelling “throughly” would be considered grammatically incorrect. So, whether you’re aiming to excel in your English exams or simply want to communicate effectively, remember to use “thoroughly” instead of “throughly.” Now go forth and use this adverb to describe how you approach your endeavors with meticulousness and precision.