close inspection

USAGE SUMMARY

'close inspection' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a careful examination of something. For example, "The detective conducted a close inspection of the crime scene."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The lyrics bear close inspection.

The Guardian - Music

Only time and close inspection will tell.

The New York Times

Close inspection reveals it most definitely isn't.

The Guardian - Books

Close inspection reveals the secret: screw heads.

The New York Times

However, such plants, like discount clothes, need close inspection.

The New York Times

Close inspection reveals beautiful concrete artworks on the gables.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The clothes are, upon close inspection, not so terribly attractive.

The Washington Post

Being inattentive is as important as close inspection.

The Guardian - Arts

He fears that such close inspection may discourage anonymous giving.

The New York Times

(Only if close inspection reveals scales, he counsels).

The New York Times

Anything that furthers the encroachment merits close inspection.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "close inspection", consider the level of formality required by the context. While suitable for most writing, more formal situations might benefit from synonyms like "thorough assessment".

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "close inspection". Vary your language by using alternatives such as "detailed examination" or "careful scrutiny" to make your writing more engaging and precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close inspection" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or following a preposition. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close inspection" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that signifies a detailed and careful examination. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears commonly in news, scientific, and academic writing, emphasizing the importance of thoroughness. When writing, remember that while it's a versatile phrase, consider using synonyms like "detailed examination" or "careful scrutiny" for variety. Be specific about what is being inspected to provide clarity to your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detailed examination

Replaces "inspection" with "examination" and adds the adjective "detailed" for emphasis.

careful observation

Focuses on the act of observing with great attention to detail.

careful scrutiny

Uses "scrutiny" to suggest a more critical and thorough examination.

thorough assessment

Emphasizes the evaluation aspect of the examination.

in-depth analysis

Suggests a deeper, more analytical approach to the examination.

minute observation

Highlights the attentiveness to small details during the examination.

critical review

Implies an evaluative and judgmental aspect to the examination.

intensive study

Emphasizes the focused and concentrated effort involved in the examination.

rigorous investigation

Suggests a formal and systematic examination, often in a legal or official context.

meticulous study

Highlights the thorough and precise nature of the examination.

FAQs

How can I use "close inspection" in a sentence?

You can use "close inspection" to describe a careful and detailed examination. For example, "The artifact required "close inspection" to determine its authenticity".

What are some alternatives to "close inspection"?

Some alternatives to "close inspection" include "detailed examination", "careful scrutiny", or "thorough assessment", depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to specify what is being inspected when using "close inspection"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the object of "close inspection" usually provides clarity and context to your writing. For example, instead of saying "The results require "close inspection"", you could say "The data requires "close inspection" to validate the findings".

What's the difference between "close inspection" and "superficial observation"?

"Close inspection" refers to a thorough and detailed examination, while "superficial observation" implies a cursory or surface-level assessment. The former aims for depth and precision, the latter is more concerned with a quick overview.