cursory inspection

USAGE SUMMARY

"cursory inspection" is a correct and usable term in written English.
It is used to describe a quick or superficial review of something. For example: "The teacher gave the students' papers a cursory inspection before returning them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

So the gruyère plot does not stand up to the most cursory inspection.

The Guardian - Film

Many trucks are given a cursory inspection and waved on at the bridges.

The New York Times

Their clients overwhelmingly request unprotected sex, which is granted after a cursory inspection.

The New York Times

A cursory inspection revealed a morel growing at the bottom of a weeks-old moose track.

The New Yorker

From a cursory inspection of the premises, more people had taken advantage of this deal than I'd expected.

The Guardian

The Boston Dynamics robots are both impressive and creepy, as even a cursory inspection of YouTube videos will confirm.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

After Ms. Gustas complained to L.A. Weekly about the incident, Ms. Tu said she began doing cursory inspections for signs of bedbugs.

The New York Times

Scott Nova of the Worker Rights Consortium, a pressure group, says that many audits covered other important issues such as working hours and child labour but, at least until recently, lacked even cursory inspections of factories' structural soundness or fire exits.Walmart, Gap, Nike and some other big firms acknowledge that audits alone are not doing enough to improve safety.

The Economist

Since the aid workers have no means of independently verifying the grain that is being shuttled from one location to another from completely fresh shipments, they would perform cursory inspections and make payments.

Huffington Post

For example, OSHA's tiny staff of around 2,400 inspectors is spread so thin that it would take more than 90 years to conduct even cursory inspections of all eligible workplaces in Texas.

HuffPost

If, after questioning the occupants, the agent then believes that illegal aliens may be secreted in the vehicle (because of a break in the 'pattern' indicating the possibility of smuggling) he will inspect the vehicle by giving a cursory visual inspection of those areas of the vehicle not visible from the outside (i.e. trunk, interior portion of camper, etc.).

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cursory inspection" when you want to convey that an examination was quick, not thorough, and perhaps lacking in attention to detail. Be mindful that it can sometimes imply a lack of diligence.

Common error

Avoid using "cursory inspection" when the situation demands a comprehensive review. This phrase suggests a superficial look, so it's inappropriate if a detailed analysis is required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cursory inspection" functions as a noun phrase, where "cursory" acts as a modifier describing the nature of the "inspection". It indicates the level of detail and thoroughness involved in the examination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and understandable term.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cursory inspection" is a valid and commonly used phrase that describes a quick, superficial examination. As Ludwig AI points out, it's used to indicate a lack of thoroughness or detail in the inspection process. It's grammatically correct and most frequently encountered in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While its use is acceptable, writers should be mindful of the implications and ensure it accurately reflects the depth of the inspection being described. If a more thorough examination is intended, alternative phrases like "detailed analysis" or "in-depth investigation" would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quick inspection

Emphasizes the speed of the inspection, focusing on minimal time spent.

brief examination

Highlights the short duration and limited scope of the examination.

superficial review

Stresses the lack of depth and thoroughness in the review.

perfunctory check

Implies the inspection is carried out as a routine duty, lacking enthusiasm.

hasty assessment

Focuses on the speed and potential lack of accuracy in the assessment.

casual look

Suggests a relaxed and informal inspection, with minimal effort.

passing glance

Indicates a very brief and almost dismissive look at something.

surface examination

Highlights that only the surface level is being examined, without in-depth analysis.

light scan

Suggests a quick and easy review, similar to using a scanner.

preliminary assessment

Emphasizes that this assessment is just the first step and not exhaustive.

FAQs

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

You can use "cursory inspection" to describe a brief or superficial examination, such as: "The border agent gave the car a "cursory inspection" before waving it through."

What's a good alternative to "cursory inspection"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "quick inspection", "brief examination", or "superficial review".

When is it appropriate to use "cursory inspection"?

It's appropriate when describing a check that is not detailed or thorough, often due to time constraints or the perceived lack of need for a deeper look. However, avoid using it when a more thorough examination is expected or required.

What does "cursory inspection" imply about the examiner's approach?

It implies that the examiner is not investing a significant amount of time or effort into the inspection, possibly suggesting a routine or perfunctory approach. A more thorough review would involve greater time and effort and might be better described as an "in-depth analysis".