a scan of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a scan of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of examining or reviewing something, often in a quick or superficial manner. Example: "After a quick scan of the document, I noticed several errors that needed correction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

An archivist sent me a scan of it.

The New Yorker

He sends me a scan of a drawing to explain.

The Guardian - Arts

They also posted a scan of the candidate's birth certificate.

The New Yorker

From a scan of Sanborn Map Vol. 1, 1894.

The New Yorker

JAXA will conduct a scan of the battery.

The New York Times

For instance, a scan of the brain has to pass through the bones of the cranium, while a scan of the thyroid or heart requires less penetration.

The New York Times - Health

Keep in mind, too, that a scan of the torso does not cover the entire body.

The New York Times - Health

A scan of her brain showed no evidence that the cancer had spread there.

The New York Times - Magazine

She sent me a scan of the only one she had turned up.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the e-mail, Lan attached a scan of the watercolor from B4 recto.

The New Yorker

You can find it on my website, along with a scan of my brain.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In medical contexts, "a scan of" implies the use of imaging technologies for diagnostic purposes. Be mindful of the context to ensure accurate interpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "a scan of" when you actually mean a comprehensive analysis or in-depth investigation. The phrase suggests a superficial look, which might not convey the full extent of your assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a scan of" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, indicating an act of reviewing or examining something. The noun "scan" can also refer to a medical imaging procedure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a scan of" is a versatile phrase used to describe a quick review, examination, or the process of digitization. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. While generally neutral in register, its specific connotation can vary depending on the context, as evidenced by the examples provided in Ludwig. Remember to use it appropriately, ensuring it accurately reflects the depth of analysis you intend to convey. Its widespread use across various sources makes it a reliable and common expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a review of

Replaces "scan" with "review", emphasizing a more thorough examination.

an examination of

Substitutes "scan" with "examination", suggesting a detailed inspection.

an overview of

Replaces "scan" with "overview", indicating a summary or general look.

a survey of

Changes "scan" to "survey", implying a broad assessment.

a checkup of

Replaces "scan" with "checkup", which is typically used in a health context.

a digitization of

Replaces "scan" with "digitization", emphasizing the conversion to digital format.

a digitalisation of

Similar to digitization, but with a slightly different spelling and emphasis on the digital process.

a read of

Replaces "scan" with "read", suggesting a quick review of text.

an analysis of

Changes "scan" to "analysis", indicating a deeper, more interpretative look.

a test of

Replaces "scan" with "test", implying an evaluation or experiment.

FAQs

How can I use "a scan of" in a sentence?

You can use "a scan of" to describe a quick examination or review of something. For example: "A scan of the document revealed several errors." or "The doctor ordered "a scan of" my brain."

What are some alternatives to "a scan of"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a review of", "an examination of", or "an overview of" instead of "a scan of".

Is it appropriate to use "a scan of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a scan of" is generally acceptable in formal writing, especially when describing a general review or quick look. However, for more detailed analysis, consider using phrases like "an analysis of" or "a thorough examination of".

Can "a scan of" refer to both physical and digital scans?

Yes, ""a scan of"" can refer to both physical scans (like a medical scan) and digital scans (like "a digitization of" a document). The context usually clarifies the type of scan being referred to.