closer inspection

USAGE SUMMARY

"closer inspection" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts, for example: "Upon closer inspection, it became clear that the damage to the car was more extensive than originally thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Summer interns get closer inspection.

The New York Times

But closer inspection......

The New York Times - Travel

But closer inspection darkens that portrait.

The New York Times

On closer inspection, they revealed minute distinctions.

The New Yorker

But closer inspection proved him wrong.

Independent

On closer inspection, these claims look suspect.

The New York Times

But a closer inspection revealed something more.

Independent

Carelessness, on closer inspection, this is not.

Independent

But this theory crumbles upon closer inspection.

The New Yorker

The concept of fragmentation deserves closer inspection.

The Economist

On closer inspection, this seems unlikely.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "closer inspection" to introduce a revelation or a contrasting perspective following an initial assessment or observation. It signals that further analysis is required or that the initial perception was incomplete.

Common error

Avoid jumping to conclusions based solely on a "closer inspection". Ensure that your analysis is comprehensive and considers all relevant factors, not just the immediately apparent details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "closer inspection" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence or clause. It signifies the act of examining something more carefully than initially done. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "closer inspection" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a more detailed examination. As shown by Ludwig, it's versatile, appearing frequently in news, media, and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across diverse authoritative sources. When writing, use "closer inspection" to signal a shift from a general overview to a more in-depth analysis, revealing insights not immediately apparent, but avoid jumping to conclusions based solely on initial impressions. Consider alternatives such as "detailed examination" or "careful scrutiny" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detailed examination

Focuses on the level of detail in the examination.

careful scrutiny

Emphasizes the careful and critical nature of the examination.

deeper analysis

Implies a more profound level of analysis.

thorough investigation

Highlights the comprehensive nature of the inquiry.

in-depth analysis

Stresses the analytical approach to the examination.

more profound scrutiny

Suggests a deeper, more intense examination.

minute observation

Emphasizes the focus on small details.

critical assessment

Highlights the evaluative aspect of the examination.

second look

Refers to reviewing something again, often to find something missed initially.

re-evaluation

Focuses on reassessing or rethinking something.

FAQs

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

You can use "closer inspection" to indicate a more detailed examination reveals something not immediately apparent. For example, "At first glance, the painting seemed simple, but on "closer inspection", intricate details emerged."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "closer inspection"?

Alternatives include phrases like "detailed examination", "careful scrutiny", or "thorough investigation", which all convey a similar sense of more in-depth analysis.

Is it always necessary to preface "closer inspection" with "upon" or "on"?

While phrases like "upon closer inspection" or "on closer inspection" are common, it's not always necessary. You can also use "closer inspection revealed" or "a closer inspection showed" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "closer inspection" and "superficial examination"?

"Closer inspection" implies a more thorough and detailed examination, whereas "superficial examination" suggests a quick and surface-level review. The former aims to uncover hidden details, while the latter only considers the most obvious aspects.