I survey

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I survey" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you are describing the act of examining or inspecting something, often in a formal or academic context. Example: "I survey the landscape to gather data for my research on environmental changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Using Foucauldian archaeology, I survey three common synecdoches of craft: craft as crafting, craft as product, and craft as set of rights.

Computers and Composition

I survey the surroundings.

The New Yorker

As I survey the names of this year's bowl games, I don't see any poetry.

The New York Times - Sports

I survey the eight plastic containers filled with colorful Indian condiments.

The New York Times - Food

In the book, I survey the cultural history of the vagina also.

The Guardian - Opinion

Granted, I survey wildlife for a living, but this is my first time doing that work at night.

The New York Times

As Alex busies himself with his new acquisition, I survey the premises where Mr. Tanen plies his trade.

The New York Times - Arts

Saturday February 3. I survey the doom-laden headlines over my morning coffee up a mountain in Switzerland.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

There are a number of related studies in two categories, namely (i) survey-based empirical investigation and (ii) model-based optimization analysis.

Urban Rail Transit

So here we are, where I survey the television landscape in 2018 and crown the character who I think will best define this year.

Vice

Compared with the TURDEP-I survey [ 6], diabetes awareness in the population has reduced, similar to many other populations [ 1, 36, 49].

European Journal of Epidemiology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the scope of your survey; specify what you are surveying and the purpose of your examination for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "I survey" in casual or informal settings where simpler alternatives like "I look at" or "I check" would be more suitable. The formality of "I survey" can sound stilted in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I survey" functions primarily as a declarative statement, where the speaker expresses their action of examining or assessing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable. Examples include: "I survey the surroundings" and "I survey the landscape".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Science & Research

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I survey" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression for denoting a formal examination or assessment. As Ludwig AI points out, its versatile nature lends itself to a wide array of applications, prominently within academic, scientific, and journalistic spheres. When writing, favor synonyms like "I examine", "I review" or "I assess" in informal contexts to avoid sounding stilted. While "I survey" enjoys widespread usage, remember it is more apt for environments requiring a structured observation or analytical perspective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I examine

Focuses on a detailed inspection or investigation.

I inspect

Suggests a careful and critical observation.

I review

Implies a formal assessment or evaluation.

I assess

Emphasizes the act of making a judgment or appraisal.

I investigate

Highlights a systematic or formal inquiry.

I analyze

Focuses on breaking down something into its components for detailed study.

I study

Suggests a more in-depth and prolonged examination.

I observe

Highlights the act of watching carefully.

I scan

Implies a quick or cursory look.

I explore

Suggests an investigation into something unknown or unfamiliar.

FAQs

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

Use "I survey" when you want to express a formal or analytical examination of something. For example: "I survey the data to identify trends."

What can I say instead of "I survey"?

You can use alternatives like "I examine", "I review", or "I assess" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I survey the situation"?

Yes, it's correct, especially if you're conducting a formal evaluation or analysis of the situation. In a more informal setting, you might say "I'm looking at the situation".

What's the difference between "I survey" and "I investigate"?

"I survey" implies a broad overview or examination, while "I investigate" suggests a more in-depth and systematic inquiry to uncover specific information or facts.