critical examination

USAGE SUMMARY

"critical examination" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to refer to the careful and thoughtful analysis of something. For example, "I will conduct a critical examination of the results to ensure accuracy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Critical examination of old texts resulted in the practice of higher criticism long before it developed in the West.

Britannica

A critical examination of the hypotheses.

Nature

His naïve explanation could not long withstand critical examination.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This week, Valleywag, a Silicon Valley gossip blog, published Mr. Lapinski's long, critical examination of MySpace.

The New York Times

It follows his highly critical examination of working practices at the courier company Hermes.

The Guardian - Tech

Even now, the Spanish government is opposed to any critical examination of the country's past.

The New Yorker

Hussey, T. & Smith, P. (2010) The trouble with higher education: a critical examination of our universities.

The Guardian

That is part of why it cries out for critical examination.

The New York Times - Science

This damages the ability of science and engineering students to develop the skills of critical examination.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The lack of any self-critical examination by the president of our much older democracy has already made us weaker.

The New York Times

Critical examination of this issue is currently constrained by the limited genetic information available.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "critical examination", ensure that you're not only analyzing but also evaluating the subject matter. Combine factual details with reasoned judgments.

Common error

Avoid using "critical examination" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "taking a closer look" or "thinking about it" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "critical examination" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to denote the act of careful and thoughtful analysis. It describes a process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

31%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "critical examination" is a noun phrase that signifies a detailed and evaluative analysis. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in written English. It is frequently found in formal contexts such as news reports, scientific studies, and academic papers, conveying a sense of rigor and objectivity. While widely used, remember to use simpler alternatives in informal conversations. To avoid misinterpretations, focus on factual evidence and logical reasoning, and ensure that your analysis is transparent and well-supported.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thorough analysis

Emphasizes the comprehensiveness of the analysis, omitting the judgmental aspect.

detailed investigation

Highlights the investigative aspect with focus on uncovering details.

in-depth assessment

Stresses the evaluation of value or merit, with a slightly more formal tone.

careful scrutiny

Implies close and cautious observation, emphasizing potential flaws or errors.

rigorous evaluation

Highlights the strict and methodical nature of the assessment.

close inspection

Focuses on the act of carefully looking at something, often physically.

searching inquiry

Suggests a probing and extensive investigation to discover information.

analytical review

Highlights the breaking down of a subject into its component parts.

probing analysis

Focuses on deep and thorough analytic assessment.

intense study

Suggests focused and sustained effort in understanding a subject.

FAQs

How can I use "critical examination" in a sentence?

You can use "critical examination" to describe a detailed analysis of something, such as "The report provides a "critical examination" of the company's financial performance".

What phrases are similar to "critical examination"?

Alternatives include "thorough analysis", "detailed investigation", and "in-depth assessment", each with slightly different nuances. Use the phrase that best fits the specific context.

Is "critical examination" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "critical examination" is generally considered formal. In everyday conversation, consider using phrases like "closer look" or "careful consideration".

What is the difference between "critical examination" and "critical review"?

"Critical examination" implies a broader and more in-depth analysis, while "critical review" often refers specifically to an evaluation of a published work or performance.