I perused it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I perused it" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to indicate that you have read something carefully or in detail. Example: "After I perused it, I found several interesting points." Alternative expressions include "I read it" and "I examined it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I found something I loved and which opened up a new world of people, and I perused it.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But my colleague James Wood, eloquently seconded more recently by my friend Leland de la Durantaye, has made Knausgaard's account of his own struggles to write his book sound so perversely compelling, so Proustianly essential, that I have dutifully bought my copy of the first volume, and will risk the reputation of Man With Most Boring Book on the Beach as I peruse it.

The New Yorker

"For many weeks," he later wrote, "I read and re-read this one book, and so illumining was the love I held for it that, before I had perused it the third time, its every subtlety of meaning was as much my own intimate possession as a young lover's memory of his virgin kiss". It did not matter that the subject in that case was architecture.

The Guardian - Books

I bought a copy to give to a friend and when I got home and perused it, wished I bought myself a copy.

Huffington Post

As I perused the page, it became obvious to me that these days Yusuf is catching it from all sides.

Huffington Post

None of this was on the menu for most of the 25 years I've been perusing it.

The Times

It has the negative on one side and the positive on the other, for comparison – I think everyone should peruse it.

Independent

I'll let you peruse it to your likings but, when it comes right down to it, Verizon's just bummed they can't put "MYTH: VERIZON DOESN'T SELL THE IPHONE" on there.

TechCrunch

Every article on relationships I perused didn't cut it for me.

HuffPost

"Questions and Answers on Life Insurance Life Insurance Sage Pressss) - Tony Steuer's book appeared on my desk two months ago and I have already found myself perusing it several times.

Forbes

"It's in my briefcase, and I am going to be perusing it this weekend," said Republican Sen. Andy Vidak of Hanford.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase in formal or literary writing to add a touch of sophistication that "I read it" might lack.

Common error

Writers sometimes mistakenly use "I perused it" when they mean they followed or chased a goal. While 'peruse' relates to reading or examining, 'pursue' relates to chasing. Always double-check if you are describing a reading activity or a goal-oriented pursuit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I perused it" functions as a simple declarative statement in the past tense. It follows a standard Subject + Verb + Object structure where 'I' is the agent, 'perused' is the transitive verb, and 'it' is the direct object representing the text or item being read. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in professional writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Social Media

4%

Science

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "I perused it" is a robust and sophisticated phrase frequently employed by writers at elite publications such as The Guardian and The New Yorker. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical validity and highlights its versatility as both a synonym for careful study and casual scanning. However, writers should remain vigilant against the common error of confusing 'peruse' with 'pursue'. When used correctly, it signals a level of intellectual engagement with the material that simpler verbs might not convey. Whether you are reviewing a legal brief or a restaurant menu, this phrase remains a reliable choice for polished English communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I read it

Most common and neutral way to describe the action.

I went through it

A more informal, conversational phrasal verb alternative.

I examined it

Suggests a higher level of scrutiny and focus on detail.

I looked it over

Indicates a general check or inspection.

I scrutinized it

Implies an extremely thorough and critical inspection.

I scanned it

Emphasizes a quick or superficial look rather than deep reading.

I reviewed it

Often used in professional or evaluative contexts.

I inspected it

Often used for physical documents or formal checklists.

I browsed it

Suggests a casual, non-linear way of looking through content.

I studied it

Implies learning or memorizing the content in depth.

FAQs

How do I use "I perused it" in a sentence?

You can use it when describing the act of reading a document or looking over a menu, such as "After "I perused it" for several minutes, I decided what to order."

What is the difference between "I perused it" and "I read it"?

While both indicate the act of consuming text, "I perused it" sounds more formal and can imply a specific type of reading (either very thorough or a quick scan) whereas "I read it" is the neutral standard.

Is "I perused it" correct when I read something quickly?

Yes, although it originally meant to read thoroughly, modern usage accepts "I perused it" to mean "I scanned it" or glanced through it.

What is a more formal way to say "I perused it"?

Depending on the intensity of your reading, you might say "I scrutinized it" for high detail or "I examined it" for a professional tone.