I scanned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I scanned" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the action of quickly looking over or examining something, such as a document or a scene. Example: "I scanned the report for any errors before submitting it to my supervisor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I scanned the walls.

The New Yorker

I scanned the beach.

The New Yorker

I scanned the shelves.

The New York Times - Tech

I scanned my notes.

The New York Times - Tech

Envious, I scanned the valley.

The Guardian

Again I scanned the waters.

The Guardian - Travel

"I scanned and printed it on that".

Independent

I scanned the records for clues.

The New Yorker

I scanned the horizon for humpbacked whales.

Independent

I scanned the pavements looking for money.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

At the ferry terminal, I scanned the gathered commuters for that distinct mane of silver hair.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I scanned" when you want to convey a sense of quickly but deliberately looking over something to find specific information or to get a general impression.

Common error

Avoid using "I scanned" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise verbs like "reviewed", "examined", or "analyzed" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I scanned" functions as a declarative statement describing a past action of the speaker. It typically indicates a deliberate, though often quick, visual search or examination. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I scanned" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a quick yet deliberate visual search or examination. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase conveys a sense of quickly looking over something, whether it's a document, a room, or a scene. While perfectly acceptable in neutral registers, more formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "I reviewed" or "I examined", depending on the desired level of detail. Remember to use "I scanned" when you want to convey the action of quickly but deliberately looking over something to find specific information or to get a general impression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I glanced over

Replaces "scanned" with "glanced over", suggesting a quicker, less thorough look.

I skimmed through

Substitutes "scanned" with "skimmed through", suggesting a very quick and superficial look.

I surveyed

Uses "surveyed" instead of "scanned", implying a broader and more comprehensive look.

I examined

Substitutes "scanned" with "examined", suggesting a more detailed and careful inspection.

I reviewed

Replaces "scanned" with "reviewed", implying a more formal and structured examination.

I checked

Replaces "scanned" with "checked", indicating a simpler and more casual review.

I inspected

Uses "inspected" instead of "scanned", suggesting a close and critical examination.

I perused

Uses "perused" instead of "scanned", implying a leisurely and attentive reading.

I observed

Substitutes "scanned" with "observed", indicating a careful and attentive watching.

I cast my eyes over

Replaces "scanned" with "cast my eyes over", using a more figurative and descriptive expression.

FAQs

How can I use "I scanned" in a sentence?

You can use "I scanned" to describe quickly looking over something, such as "I scanned the document for errors" or "I scanned the room for familiar faces".

What can I say instead of "I scanned"?

You can use alternatives like "I glanced over", "I surveyed", or "I reviewed" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "I scanned" or "I skimmed"?

"I scanned" and "I skimmed" are both correct but have slightly different meanings. "I scanned" suggests a more deliberate search, while "I skimmed" implies a quicker, more superficial look.

What's the difference between "I scanned" and "I examined"?

"I scanned" implies a quick overview, whereas "I examined" suggests a more thorough and detailed inspection.