cursory analysis

USAGE SUMMARY

"cursory analysis" is correct and usable in written English.
Generally, it is used to describe a brief and superficial examination or evaluation of something. For example, "I gave a cursory analysis of the data to determine if further research was necessary".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Even a cursory analysis shows flaws in this picture.

Harvard Business Review

Ferguson relies heavily throughout on not particularly interesting block quotes, on to which he tags cursory analysis.

The Guardian - Books

Even a cursory analysis could have alerted them to the gap between market prices and fundamental values.

Harvard Business Review

Upon a cursory analysis, it would seem as though that dang Northeastern region of PBS-watching socialists is the most successful, given its total win counts.

The New Yorker

Even a cursory analysis shows not only that Washington has failed to achieve these aims, but that unilateral sanctions have also often backfired against American interests.

The Guardian

Shearer is uncomplicated to the point of parody, his cursory analysis as a pundit proving painful for a new generation of demanding football observer who craves detail.

The Guardian - Sport

In their opinion, the judges contended that Goldman , Sachs & Company SCM's investment banker, had conducted a surprisingly cursory analysis of the value of SCM's food and pigments businesses.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The file profiling process entails an initial or cursory static analysis of the suspect code.

Malware Forensics Investigating and Analyzing Malicious Code

A cursory economic analysis finds fault with that argument, considering the censors are already paid to spot offending material.

The Economist

Even a cursory visual analysis suggests that the similarities are unlikely coincidental.

Vice

Instead, USDA would only be required to perform narrow, newly established cursory environmental analysis.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cursory analysis" when you want to indicate that an examination was brief and not exhaustive. It's suitable when detail isn't necessary or as a preliminary step to deeper investigation.

Common error

Avoid using "cursory analysis" when the situation requires a detailed or in-depth examination. It suggests a quick overview, not a comprehensive investigation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cursory analysis" functions as a noun phrase, where "cursory" modifies the noun "analysis". It describes the type of analysis being performed, indicating its brevity and lack of thoroughness. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a standard and acceptable usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

33%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cursory analysis" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a brief and superficial examination. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage. It is most commonly found in news, science, and academic contexts, indicating its appropriateness for various professional settings. When using this phrase, be mindful of the implications of limited depth, as it sets a clear expectation about the thoroughness of the review. While alternatives exist, the directness of "cursory analysis" makes it a valuable and efficient choice when brevity is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brief examination

Replaces "analysis" with a more general term for examination, keeping the emphasis on brevity.

quick assessment

Substitutes both words to highlight the speed and evaluative nature of the examination.

superficial review

Emphasizes the lack of depth in the examination.

preliminary investigation

Suggests an initial look, often before a more detailed study.

initial scan

Implies a rapid overview to identify key points.

high-level overview

Focuses on the summarization and lack of detailed exploration.

light inspection

Indicates a non-intensive form of examination.

passing glance

Replaces analysis with a more colloquial term, suggesting a very brief look.

basic check

Highlights the simplicity and fundamental nature of the analysis.

first look

Emphasizes that it is the initial assessment with the possibility of further reviews

FAQs

How can I effectively use "cursory analysis" in a sentence?

Use "cursory analysis" to describe a brief or superficial examination. For example, "After a "cursory analysis" of the data, we decided to proceed with a more detailed study."

What are some alternatives to "cursory analysis" that I can use?

You can use alternatives like "brief examination", "quick assessment", or "superficial review" depending on the context.

Is "cursory analysis" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "cursory analysis" is suitable for formal writing, but ensure the context aligns with its meaning of a brief and not exhaustive examination. Overuse can imply a lack of thoroughness.

What does "cursory analysis" imply about the depth of the review?

A "cursory analysis" implies a superficial and high-level review. It is not meant to suggest a detailed or comprehensive examination.