a stern examination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a stern examination" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when describing a rigorous or strict examination or evaluation. Example: The students were nervous as they prepared for their final exams, knowing that they would face a stern examination of their knowledge and skills.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It would be surprising if the batsmen do not all get a game from the four Tests, which will be a stern examination of England's regeneration.

The Guardian - Sport

England stuck to their task commendably, and the seamers were outstanding, gaining some late reward for their diligence but it was always going to be a stern examination once Misbah-ul-Haq Misbah-ul-Haq Misbah-ul-Haqan.

The Guardian - Sport

England know they will face a stern examination of their new-found No1 Test status against the "hosts", who are forced to play in a neutral venue but who have already proved formidable opponents there.

The Guardian - Sport

Before then, the Gunners must regroup for the visit of Liverpool on Saturday, when they will again face a stern examination of whether they can indeed go on to challenge for honours.

Independent

Wing Ibrahim Affelay had the look of man who was desperately short of first-team soccer (which he is), and in the back line, the Danes singled out young Jetro Willems as an easy mark, and gave him a stern examination.

The New York Times

But they face a stern examination over the final month of the season, with all of their remaining four games against sides currently in the top five.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Next up is a sterner examination.

The Guardian - Sport

Dier's involvement, having been rested on Saturday after a minor hamstring complaint, had always been pencilled in, with England braced for a sterner examination than that offered by Malta at Wembley.

The Guardian - Sport

The home side faces a sterner examination in front of its own supporters than Scotland and Italy provided in the Six Nations this year, an indication of how Samoa have advanced in the professional era.

The Guardian - Sport

This overtime was a stern test for the Devils.

The New York Times - Sports

Hardly a stern test.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a stern examination" to convey a sense of seriousness and thoroughness in an evaluation or assessment. This phrase is particularly effective when describing situations where careful scrutiny is essential.

Common error

Avoid using "stern examination" in casual or informal contexts where a less formal term would be more appropriate. The phrase carries a level of formality that may seem out of place in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stern examination" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It signifies a rigorous and critical assessment, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a stern examination" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that signifies a rigorous and critical assessment. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, lending itself to formal writing. While it effectively conveys thoroughness and seriousness, it's best to avoid in casual settings. For more informal scenarios, consider opting for alternatives such as "a careful look" or "a close check". The phrase's effectiveness lies in its ability to communicate the importance of detailed scrutiny.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rigorous assessment

Replaces "examination" with a synonym emphasizing thoroughness.

a critical evaluation

Substitutes "examination" with a term highlighting judgment and analysis.

a tough scrutiny

Emphasizes the difficulty and thoroughness of the examination.

a severe test

Focuses on the challenging aspect of the assessment.

a stringent review

Highlights the strictness and attention to detail in the evaluation.

a thorough investigation

Implies a deep and comprehensive inquiry.

a demanding analysis

Stresses the high standards and effort required.

a searching inquiry

Emphasizes the probing and in-depth nature of the examination.

a detailed probe

Suggests a meticulous and thorough investigation.

a close inspection

Highlights the careful and observant nature of the evaluation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a stern examination" to describe a rigorous assessment or evaluation, such as: "The proposal faced "a stern examination" by the review board before being approved".

What are some alternatives to "a stern examination"?

Alternatives include "a rigorous assessment", "a critical evaluation", or "a tough scrutiny", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "a stern examination" and "a simple review"?

"A stern examination" implies a more rigorous and critical assessment, whereas "a simple review" suggests a less detailed and potentially more superficial evaluation.

Is "a stern examination" appropriate for informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a stern examination" is more suitable for formal or professional contexts. In informal writing, consider using alternatives like "a careful look" or "a close check".