before scrutinizing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before scrutinizing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that one should consider or examine something carefully prior to taking further action or making a decision. Example: "Before scrutinizing the data, we should ensure that all sources are reliable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The night before, scrutinizing the forecast data, England said he wouldn't bet a "plug nickel" on what was going to happen — an idiom that mystified his younger colleagues.

The New York Times - Magazine

He urged those countries to acknowledge their past before scrutinizing Japan's wartime history.

The New York Times

Participants described the state officials as wary of accepting a deal before scrutinizing the text of any proposed consent decree, particularly in light of the history of the case.

The New York Times

Before scrutinizing the Oscar nominations.

Los Angeles Times

And political leaders in each capital should not wait for a crisis before scrutinizing war-fighting plans and insisting on ones that strengthen, not weaken, stability.

Los Angeles Times

"Let me read to you Bill O'Reilly's words and you tell me if he is not just a blatant, bald-assed liar," Maher said, before scrutinizing various examples.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Now I'm not saying that Saddam Hussein actually was there, but I had this very strong sense of presence, which was unlike anything I'd ever felt before, that was scrutinizing me up and down, ripping me apart.

The New York Times - Magazine

A couple of young men were hunched before computer screens, scrutinizing a map their fingers at the keyboard had just created.

The New York Times - Books

And if he thought his career was scrutinized before, wait until this year.

The New York Times - Sports

Juels said his team will likely continue looking into other ICO projects, many of which, he feels, are not properly scrutinized before going to ICO. "We plan to do more of this work," he said.

Forbes

They can also allude to our current times, in which we have never before been so scrutinized while also being so anonymous and depersonalized.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "before scrutinizing", ensure the sentence clearly states what is being scrutinized and what action follows. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "before scrutinizing" when a simple 'before' or 'after' construction would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before scrutinizing" functions as a prepositional phrase, introducing a clause that specifies the timing of an action in relation to a careful examination. Ludwig provides examples showing its correct usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "before scrutinizing" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the need for careful examination before proceeding with an action or decision. Ludwig shows that it is most commonly found in News & Media sources and Science. While slightly more formal than simpler alternatives like "before examining", it conveys a sense of thoroughness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable, reminding us to ensure clarity in our writing and avoid overuse to maintain a natural and effective style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before evaluating

Similar meaning but places emphasis on the 'evaluation' aspect.

prior to examining

Focuses on the act of examining without specifying the depth or intensity.

ahead of assessing

Emphasizes the timing of the assessment in relation to another event.

prior to the assessment of

Similar to 'ahead of assessing' but more formal.

previous to investigating

Highlights the sequence of events, with investigation as the focal point.

in advance of reviewing

More formal and emphasizes the act of reviewing documents or materials.

preceding the analysis of

Highly formal and emphasizes a more in-depth 'analysis'.

previous to the inspection of

Highlights a formal inspection process.

before undertaking

Focuses on the action that follows the examination.

preliminary to a review of

Indicates something done as preparation to the review.

FAQs

How can I use "before scrutinizing" in a sentence?

Use "before scrutinizing" to indicate that something should be carefully examined prior to taking a specific action or making a decision. For example, "Before scrutinizing the budget, ensure all expense reports are submitted."

What are some alternatives to "before scrutinizing"?

You can use alternatives like "prior to examining", "before evaluating", or "ahead of assessing" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "before scrutinizing" instead of simply "before examining"?

"Before scrutinizing" implies a more thorough and critical examination than "before examining". Use "before scrutinizing" when a detailed and careful review is necessary.

Is "prior to scrutinizing" more formal than "before scrutinizing"?

Yes, "prior to scrutinizing" is generally considered more formal than "before scrutinizing". Both are grammatically correct, but "prior to" adds a layer of formality suitable for professional or academic writing.