closely scrutinize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "closely scrutinize" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to examine or inspect something very carefully or in great detail. Example: The accountant was instructed to closely scrutinize the company's financial records in order to identify any potential discrepancies.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But mortgage lenders closely scrutinize cash gifts.

The New York Times

Fed officials closely scrutinize two measures of popular expectations.

The New York Times

At a news conference this morning, President Bush said the administration would closely scrutinize the deal.

The New York Times

Today, some vowed to closely scrutinize awards made by Mr. Feinberg.

The New York Times

After discovering the plot, Major League Baseball began to more closely scrutinize Nunez and the Levinsons.

The New York Times - Sports

It will also more closely scrutinize any drug that causes drowsiness.

The New York Times

The study did not closely scrutinize the reasons for the women's choices.

The Washington Post

Karzai plans to closely scrutinize U.S. military behavior over the coming weeks, Faizi said.

The Washington Post

Investors closely scrutinize active user counts to gauge the value and potential of social networks.

MIT Technology Review

Even so, juries closely scrutinize the accuser and like to see signs of physical force, which are not always present.

The New Yorker

In the letter, the mayor said he had asked Mr. Page to "closely scrutinize all agency hiring".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "closely scrutinize", ensure that the object of scrutiny is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The document was closely scrutinized", specify who scrutinized it, like "The auditors closely scrutinized the document".

Common error

While "closely scrutinize" is appropriate in formal and professional settings, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "look closely at" or "check carefully" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "closely scrutinize" functions as a verb phrase, where "closely" modifies the verb "scrutinize", intensifying the action. This indicates a detailed and careful examination of something, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Closely scrutinize" is a commonly used verb phrase that means to examine something very carefully and in detail. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for formal contexts such as news reporting, business communications, and academic writing. As evidenced by examples from sources like The New York Times and The Washington Post, the phrase is often used when highlighting the importance of thorough evaluation or critical assessment. While alternatives like "closely examine" or "carefully investigate" exist, "closely scrutinize" carries a particular weight of seriousness and officialdom. It is advisable to avoid overuse in casual conversations and to ensure clarity by specifying the object of scrutiny.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

closely examine

Focuses on a detailed inspection but is slightly more general than "closely scrutinize".

carefully investigate

Emphasizes a thorough inquiry, often implying a search for something hidden or unclear.

thoroughly inspect

Stresses the completeness of the examination, ensuring nothing is missed.

meticulously review

Highlights the precision and attention to detail in the review process.

critically assess

Indicates an evaluation with the aim of identifying flaws or strengths.

rigorously analyze

Suggests a strict and methodical analysis, often in a scientific or formal setting.

intently study

Implies a deep focus and prolonged attention to understand something fully.

painstakingly check

Underscores the effort and care taken to ensure accuracy and correctness.

attentively observe

Focuses on careful observation to gather information and understand details.

minutely dissect

Suggests breaking down something into its smallest parts for detailed examination.

FAQs

How can I use "closely scrutinize" in a sentence?

You can use "closely scrutinize" to indicate a thorough and careful examination. For example, "The committee will "closely scrutinize" all applications before making a decision."

What are some alternatives to "closely scrutinize"?

Alternatives include "closely examine", "carefully investigate", or "thoroughly inspect". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "closely scrutinize" formal or informal?

"Closely scrutinize" is generally considered a formal phrase. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives like "look closely at" or "check carefully" may be more appropriate.

Which is correct: "scrutinize closely" or "closely scrutinize"?

"Closely scrutinize" is the standard and more common phrasing. While "scrutinize closely" might be understood, it is less idiomatic and can sound awkward.