a preliminary examination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a preliminary examination" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where an initial assessment or evaluation is being discussed, often in academic or professional settings. Example: "Before the final assessment, students must complete a preliminary examination to gauge their understanding of the material."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Last week, a preliminary examination by the medical examiner's office found that Jacobs had shot himself.

The New York Times

The process of a preliminary examination can take several years.

The Guardian

The team is made up of a Preliminary Examination Team, or PET.

The New Yorker

The anonymous sources said the conclusion was the result of a preliminary examination of imagery.

The Guardian

The company reported last month that a preliminary examination found evidence that options were backdated.

The New York Times

"I'm trying to wrap my head around it". Dalton is next due in court 10 March for a preliminary examination.

The Guardian

After a preliminary examination the next step would be an investigation and if all the dots lines up, a prosecution.

The Guardian - Opinion

"A preliminary examination however does not necessarily mean the prosecutor will open an investigation".

The New York Times

On Friday, health officials in Brazil said a preliminary examination of the letter had found "spores of a bacillus consistent with anthrax".

The New York Times

Britain remains under scrutiny by the International Criminal Court, which is continuing a preliminary examination of war crime allegations.

Independent

The Senate report will almost certainly be assessed by the international criminal court as part of a preliminary examination of US treatment of detainees in Afghanistan.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a preliminary examination" when describing the initial stage of a process where data or evidence is reviewed to determine the next steps.

Common error

While "a preliminary examination" is widely accepted, avoid overuse in highly formal contexts where more precise terms like "initial assessment" or "early analysis" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a preliminary examination" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig's examples show it used to describe the early stages of an investigation, assessment, or review.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a preliminary examination" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to an initial assessment or review, according to Ludwig. It’s grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal business settings. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase's utility in setting the stage for more detailed analysis. While versatile, it is best used to describe the first step in a process where further investigation may be warranted. Alternatives such as "initial assessment" or "quick review" can offer subtle variations in emphasis or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an initial assessment

Focuses on the act of evaluating something at the beginning.

a first look

Simple and direct, focuses on the initial act of seeing or observing.

a brief investigation

Highlights the exploratory nature and reduced scope of the inquiry.

a quick review

Emphasizes the speed and conciseness of the evaluation.

an exploratory probe

Highlights the intent to explore and investigate superficially.

an early evaluation

Stresses the timing of the assessment in the process.

a surface-level analysis

Implies a less thorough or in-depth review.

a cursory inspection

Highlights a quick and superficial observation.

a triage assessment

Draws a parallel to medical triage, prioritizing urgency and sorting.

a thumbnail review

Suggests a very brief and concise summary.

FAQs

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

You can use "a preliminary examination" to describe an initial review or assessment, such as: "After a preliminary examination, the committee decided to proceed with a full investigation".

What is a good alternative to "a preliminary examination"?

Alternatives include "an initial assessment", "a brief investigation", or "a quick review", depending on the specific context.

What does "a preliminary examination" imply?

The phrase implies that the assessment is the first step in a more extensive process. It suggests that the examination is not exhaustive but is intended to identify key issues or determine whether further investigation is warranted.

In what situations is "a preliminary examination" commonly used?

This phrase is frequently used in legal, scientific, and business contexts to describe the initial stages of investigations, research projects, or audits.