a scrupulous reading

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a scrupulous reading" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a careful and thorough examination or interpretation of a text or document. Example: "The professor emphasized the importance of a scrupulous reading of the primary sources to understand the author's intent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Perhaps more of a radical than Ann Furedi of BPAS, who has won outraged headlines simply by saying that abortion on the grounds of sex selection may be within the terms of the 1967 Abortion Act – which, on a scrupulous reading of the act, it may well be.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

One critic, for example, in a very patient, and indeed in every respect but one a positively scrupulous, reading of one of Eliot's anti-semitic poems, "Burbank with a Baedeker: Bleistein with a Cigar," glancingly commented, "the question whether [it is] anti-semitic is obviously not a pressing one".

The Guardian - Books

He also published three volumes of essays, The Lords of Limit, The Enemy's Country, and Style and Faith (all included in the Collected Critical Writings of Geoffrey Hill, 2008), which are object lessons in the importance of scrupulous reading, and equally scrupulous writing.

The Guardian - Books

Kerveen Aristide, a scrupulous boy who always wore a tie to school, said he would read 100 books and see a movie.

The New York Times

The look of the film maintains a scrupulous balance between the pop illustration of a graphic novel (Michael Jr. himself is shown reading one, "The Lone Ranger") and Depression-era paintings, especially the bare, desolate canvases of Edward Hopper.

The New York Times

Carolyn Tomkinson is a scrupulous budgeter.

The Guardian - Money

Stead was not a scrupulous man.

The Guardian - Books

And in Jonathan Bate, John Clare has found a scrupulous and sensitive biographer.

The Economist

He is a scrupulous dancer with a serious jump.

The New York Times - Arts

The director of the clinic observed a scrupulous professional silence.

The New Yorker

And Mr. Bennett was hardly a scrupulous academic.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a scrupulous reading" when you want to show how an act or conduct has or should be done to achieve the best or the most correct outcome.

Common error

While "a scrupulous reading" is appropriate in formal settings, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Consider using simpler terms like "careful reading" or "close reading" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a scrupulous reading" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It indicates that the act of reading is performed with great care, precision, and attention to detail. As Ludwig AI correctly notes, this suggests thoroughness and an avoidance of superficiality.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Books

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a scrupulous reading" is a grammatically sound and semantically rich phrase used to convey the idea of a meticulous and thorough interpretation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for formal contexts where precision and accuracy are paramount. While not exceedingly common, its presence in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its validity. For alternative expressions, consider phrases such as "a meticulous interpretation" or "a rigorous analysis" to capture slightly different nuances of careful examination. When you employ the phrase, ensure that it aligns with the register of your writing, avoiding overuse in casual settings to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A meticulous interpretation

Emphasizes extreme care and precision in the interpretation.

A rigorous analysis

Focuses on the thoroughness and strict adherence to methodology in the analysis.

A careful examination

Highlights the attentiveness and thoroughness of the examination.

A thorough investigation

Stresses the comprehensive nature of the inquiry.

A detailed assessment

Focuses on the level of granularity and completeness in the assessment.

A precise understanding

Emphasizes the accuracy and clarity of the comprehension.

An accurate interpretation

Highlights the correctness and faithfulness of the interpretation.

A faithful rendition

Stresses the loyalty and accuracy in the representation.

A close analysis

Focuses on the attentiveness and proximity to the subject in the analysis.

An in-depth study

Highlights the comprehensive and thorough nature of the study.

FAQs

How can I use "a scrupulous reading" in a sentence?

You can use "a scrupulous reading" to emphasize the importance of careful and thorough interpretation. For example: "The judge based his decision on "a scrupulous reading" of the contract."

What are some alternatives to "a scrupulous reading"?

Alternatives include "a meticulous interpretation", "a rigorous analysis", or "a careful examination", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "a very scrupulous reading"?

While grammatically correct, "a very scrupulous reading" can be redundant. The word "scrupulous" already implies a high degree of care and thoroughness, so "a scrupulous reading" is usually sufficient. If you want to emphasize it further, consider alternatives like "an extremely detailed reading".

What is the difference between "a scrupulous reading" and "a superficial reading"?

"A scrupulous reading" implies a thorough and careful examination, paying close attention to detail and avoiding bias. In contrast, "a superficial reading" suggests a cursory or shallow understanding, lacking depth and attention to detail.