a close examination

USAGE SUMMARY

"a close examination" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use this phrase when you want to express that you are examining something intently or in great detail. For example, "I conducted a close examination of the data to determine the cause of the error."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A close examination of Apuleius Metamorphosess.

Columbia University

A close examination of those donations raise various questions.

The Washington Post

Like so much of Zarqawi's life, a close examination sees certainty evaporate.

The Guardian

And, yet, a close examination of those boards reveals no broad pattern of incompetence or corruption.

Harvard Business Review

However, a close examination of the data indicated that most of blastocysts are in poor condition.

The New York Times - Science

A close examination of Agnes Martin's grid painting in luminous blue and gold.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A close examination reveals that it was spliced together from two separate images.

The New York Times

But a close examination of the package reveals this selling pitch: "Sensuous styling that's sure to allure".

The New York Times - Magazine

That book presents a close examination the Zapruder film and questions the time sequence accepted by the Warren Commission.

The New York Times

His art gets a close examination here, showing the two sides of his talent: figurative and modernist.

The Guardian

A close examination of the three‐dimensional velocity distribution around conical island to compare with depth‐integrated model is performed.

Coastal Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a close examination", ensure that the subsequent text provides specific details or findings that support the claim of thoroughness. For instance, specify the methods used or the aspects considered during the examination.

Common error

Avoid using "a close examination" if the analysis is superficial or lacks sufficient detail. Ensure that the level of scrutiny aligns with the language used to describe it. Instead, simply use "an examination".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a close examination" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces the idea of a detailed and thorough inspection or analysis. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a close examination" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that introduces a detailed analysis or inspection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s appropriate for various contexts, including academic, scientific, and journalistic writing. To use it effectively, ensure that the subsequent text provides sufficient details to justify the claim of thoroughness and consider alternative phrases like ""a thorough analysis"" or ""a detailed inspection"" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a thorough analysis

This alternative suggests a comprehensive and exhaustive investigation, similar to a close examination but emphasizing completeness.

a detailed inspection

This focuses on the act of carefully looking at something to discover information, much like a close examination but with an emphasis on visual scrutiny.

a careful investigation

This emphasizes the cautious and meticulous nature of the inquiry, resembling a close examination in its thoroughness and attention to detail.

an in-depth study

This suggests a profound and extensive exploration of a subject, similar to a close examination in its depth and scope.

a rigorous assessment

This highlights the strict and methodical evaluation involved, akin to a close examination but with a focus on critical judgment.

a meticulous review

This emphasizes the painstaking and precise nature of the evaluation, similar to a close examination in its attention to detail.

a critical analysis

This emphasizes the evaluative aspect, suggesting that the examination involves judgment and interpretation.

a forensic analysis

This implies a very detailed and scientific examination, often in a legal or investigative context.

a microscopic study

This suggests looking at something in extreme detail, often using specialized equipment or techniques.

a fine-tooth comb search

This idiomatic expression means a very thorough and detailed search or examination.

FAQs

How can I use "a close examination" in a sentence?

You can use "a close examination" to introduce a detailed analysis or inspection of a particular subject. For example, "A close examination of the data revealed several anomalies."

What are some alternatives to "a close examination"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a thorough analysis", "a detailed inspection", or "an in-depth study".

What's the difference between "a close examination" and "a careful examination"?

While both phrases suggest thoroughness, "a close examination" implies a more intensive and detailed scrutiny, whereas "a careful examination" emphasizes caution and precision.

Is it redundant to say "a very close examination"?

While not strictly incorrect, adding "very" to "a close examination" can be redundant. The word "close" already implies a high degree of attention to detail. Consider using stronger verbs or adjectives to convey the intensity of the examination.