a microscopic examination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a microscopic examination" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to scientific analysis, medical assessments, or any situation where detailed observation at a microscopic level is required. Example: "The pathologist conducted a microscopic examination of the tissue sample to identify any abnormalities."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Tom DiCillo's angry comedy "Delirious" subjects modern celebrity culture to a microscopic examination that shows the toxic virus of fame squirming and multiplying under its lens.

The New York Times

Fraud cannot be ruled out, they said, though the cursive style of the script and a microscopic examination of the etched surface seemed to diminish suspicions.

The New York Times

I have never had an opportunity myself of making a microscopic examination of such sands, but I venture to commend such an examination to Mr. Carus-Wilson's consideration.

Nature

Typically, bacteria's presence in urine is confirmed by culturing samples overnight on agar plates, followed by a microscopic examination.

Biosensors and Bioelectronics

A microscopic examination of affected tissue, usually obtained from a lymph node, is required to confirm diagnosis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As long as tissue blocks are saved from the placenta, a microscopic examination of the placenta is always possible at a later time if the need arises.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

First, however, they decided to give the uncleaned tusk a cursory microscopic examination.

The New York Times - Science

Our study commenced with a light microscopic examination of the phospho-independent GSK3β immunohistochemical labeling in adult male C57BL6 mouse brain.

Plosone

A thorough microscopic examination of the plates revealed that no cells remained.

British Journal of Cancer

In this study, a positive microscopic examination was observed in 30% (9) of patients.

BMC Ophthalmology

However, in the previous studies, the slide review included both a single microscopic examination without manual leukocyte differentiation as well as blood smear review and manual leukocyte differentiation.

BMC Veterinary Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scientific or medical procedure, use "a microscopic examination" to emphasize the level of detail involved in the analysis. For example, "A microscopic examination of the sample revealed the presence of abnormal cells."

Common error

Avoid using "a microscopic examination" in contexts where a simple, visual inspection would suffice. Opt for more general terms like "close look" or "detailed inspection" in non-technical writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a microscopic examination" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the action or process of examining something using a microscope, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

27%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a microscopic examination" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that denotes a detailed inspection using a microscope. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is most frequently found in scientific and medical contexts. When writing, it is best to reserve this phrase for situations where a high level of detail and magnification is essential. For less technical contexts, consider alternatives like "detailed inspection" or "close look". Remember that using the phrase accurately conveys precision and scientific rigor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

microscopic analysis

Focuses on the analytical aspect rather than the act of examining.

detailed microscopic study

Emphasizes the thoroughness and focus of the examination.

close examination under a microscope

Specifies the tool used and highlights the closeness of the inspection.

microscopic investigation

Implies a more formal and systematic approach to the examination.

visual inspection under magnification

Highlights the visual aspect and the use of magnification.

examination at the cellular level

Specifies the scale at which the examination is conducted.

histological analysis

Refers specifically to the microscopic examination of tissue.

cytological analysis

Refers to the microscopic examination of cells.

microscopic assessment

Focuses on evaluating or judging based on microscopic observation.

minute inspection

Emphasizes the detailed and careful nature of the inspection.

FAQs

What is the purpose of performing "a microscopic examination"?

The purpose of performing "a microscopic examination" is to observe and analyze details that are not visible to the naked eye. This is crucial in fields like medicine, biology, and materials science for diagnosing diseases, studying cellular structures, or identifying defects.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a microscopic examination" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "a microscopic examination" when you want to emphasize the detailed analysis performed using a microscope. This phrase is commonly used in scientific reports, medical records, and technical documentation.

What are some alternative phrases to "a microscopic examination" that I can use?

Some alternative phrases include "microscopic analysis", "detailed microscopic study", or "close examination under a microscope". The choice depends on the specific context and the emphasis you want to convey. Consider also "microscopic analysis" or "microscopic investigation" depending on the context.

How does "a microscopic examination" differ from a macroscopic examination?

"A microscopic examination" involves observing structures and details that require magnification, while a macroscopic examination involves observing features visible to the naked eye. The former is used for detailed analysis, while the latter provides a general overview.