an in-depth examination

USAGE SUMMARY

'an in-depth examination' is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to a thorough and detailed investigation or analysis of a subject or topic. You can use 'an in-depth examination' when discussing a complex issue or problem that requires a comprehensive evaluation. It can also be used when describing a detailed analysis or study that has been conducted. Example: "After conducting an in-depth examination of the company's financial records, it was discovered that there were discrepancies in the accounting practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Gazette also features an in-depth examination of an issue each day and "Ask Mother Knickerbocker," a column on New York City lore.

The New York Times

All the way through Scream 4, I was itching for a freeze-frame of Hayden Panettiere's hairdo, so that I could give it an in-depth examination.

The Guardian - Film

It promised an in-depth examination of the PR tactics used by Bolland to boost Charles's public appeal after the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997.

The Guardian

Of course, the Daily Express isn't the first place you'd look for an in-depth examination of a cutting-edge experimental rock album, but these 38 words seem indicative of a wider malaise.

The Guardian - Music

So far, there seems no reason to suppose that anything untoward was found, but a Home Office laboratory is to conduct an in-depth examination of the material that was impounded.

The Guardian - Opinion

Such conferences occur at every teaching hospital in the country, Groopman writes, but they generally lack "an in-depth examination of why the diagnosis was missed — specifically, what cognitive errors occurred and how they could have been remedied".

The New York Times - Books

The BBC2 documentary, titled Reinventing the Royals, promised an in-depth examination of the shrewd PR tactics used by Bolland to boost Charles's public appeal after the death of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997.

The Guardian

The Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission, created by Congress to investigate the origins of the disaster, decided not to make an in-depth examination of the company — though some staff members felt strongly that it should.

The New York Times

It is a normal time for a paper like The Times to prepare an in-depth examination of his nearly two-year tenure, and Times reporters have been interviewing sources about him.

The New York Times

In "A Financial Crisis With Little Guilt" (front page, April 14), you reported that the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission "decided not to make an in-depth examination" of Countrywide and that "Countrywide was off limits".

The New York Times

We're not able to do an in-depth examination of technology beyond our own systems.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an in-depth examination" when the subject matter is complex or multifaceted, requiring a detailed and comprehensive approach to understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "an in-depth examination" when the actual analysis is only cursory or surface-level. This creates a mismatch between expectation and reality, undermining the credibility of your work.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an in-depth examination" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces a detailed analysis or investigation. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is commonly used to denote a thorough and comprehensive study.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an in-depth examination" is a frequently used noun phrase denoting a thorough and detailed analysis. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and is commonly employed across various contexts, most notably in news and media and scientific publications. When incorporating this phrase in your writing, ensure that the subsequent analysis aligns with the implication of thoroughness and detail. It is best suited for complex or multifaceted subjects. Alternatives such as ""thorough analysis"" or ""detailed investigation"" may be suitable depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a thorough analysis

Focuses on the comprehensiveness of the analysis but doesn't necessarily imply the same level of detail.

a detailed investigation

Emphasizes the investigative aspect, suggesting a systematic inquiry into a subject.

a comprehensive study

Highlights the broad scope and coverage of the examination.

an exhaustive review

Stresses the completeness and thoroughness of the review process.

a profound exploration

Suggests a deeper, more insightful analysis that goes beyond the surface level.

a complete assessment

Focuses on evaluating all relevant aspects to form a judgment.

a rigorous scrutiny

Implies a strict and meticulous examination, often with a critical perspective.

a meticulous inspection

Highlights the careful and precise nature of the examination.

a critical appraisal

Emphasizes the evaluative aspect, suggesting a judgment based on careful analysis.

a granular inspection

This alternative highlights that the examination is performed by breaking down its subject into the smallest details or most fundamental components.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "an in-depth examination" in a sentence?

Use "an in-depth examination" to introduce a thorough analysis or investigation of a subject. For example, "The report provides "an in-depth examination" of the company's financial performance."

What are some alternatives to "an in-depth examination"?

Alternatives include "thorough analysis", "detailed investigation", or "comprehensive study" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "an in-depth examination"?

It's appropriate when you are referring to a detailed and comprehensive analysis of a topic, going beyond a superficial overview. It implies a rigorous and thorough investigation.

Is there a difference between "an in-depth examination" and "a superficial review"?

"An in-depth examination" implies a comprehensive and thorough analysis, while "a superficial review" suggests a brief and surface-level assessment. They are contrasting approaches to understanding a subject.