cursory observation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cursory observation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quick or superficial examination of something without going into detail. Example: "After a cursory observation of the report, I noticed several inconsistencies that need to be addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Even a cursory observation reveals a continued obsession with the grand history of leaders and armies.

The Guardian - Books

Indeed, cursory observation suggests that New Yorkers spend more time pushing shrimp heads around on a plate than sucking on them.

The New York Times - Food

A cursory observation (of history, let alone the Internet) shows that discussion, like mold, will occur wherever there are favorable conditions.

TechCrunch

"I think it is unlikely that this level of knowledge could have been gleaned from peripheral cursory observation". The court has previously seen close-up video footage of Mr Ali, a plumber, being arrested in Parliament Street by heavily armed officers.

BBC

Even the most cursory observation of America's decline since 2005 should rekindle disgust toward John Kerry.

Huffington Post

A cursory observation on our neonatal ward suggests that malaria may not be uncommon in this environment.

BMC Pediatrics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Systematic reconnaissance efforts and detailed forensic investigations can fill critical gaps between cursory observations to gain a thorough understanding of the factors that contribute to performance.

Engineering Failure Analysis

Traditional teacher evaluations typically involve cursory observations by school administrators who visit the classroom once or twice — without taking student achievement into account.

The New York Times

However, I am eager to understand the weather/climate characteristics of Yola area, which from cursory observations over the few years, has proved to be generally warmer than its surrounding environs.

Columbia University

In my mind though, the wider question is not whether or not Lily Allen's feminist song is a success or not; it's why is it that one single music video containing some fairly cursory observations on sexism is able to stir up such a reaction in the feminist movement.

The Guardian - Opinion

While the lack of focus you mention is certainly a byproduct of the digital environment, more troubling is a corollary phenomenon — a tendency of the digital generation to dispense with nuance and multiple layers of meaning, much like a computer, in favor of immediate and often cursory observations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cursory observation", consider if a more detailed analysis is warranted. The phrase can subtly suggest that the initial look was insufficient.

Common error

Avoid treating a "cursory observation" as a definitive analysis. The phrase itself suggests a lack of thoroughness, so don't draw strong conclusions without further investigation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cursory observation" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "cursory" modifies the noun "observation". It describes the nature of the observation as being brief or superficial. Ludwig indicates it's a usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cursory observation" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a brief or superficial examination. As Ludwig confirms, it is readily usable in written English across various contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Science, and Academic sources. When using "cursory observation", be mindful of the implication that the analysis was not thorough and may require further investigation. Consider alternatives like "brief examination" or "superficial assessment" if a different nuance is desired. Remember not to treat it as a definitive analysis. All this, as Ludwig AI explained, should lead you to use "cursory observation" properly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brief examination

Focuses on the brevity of the examination, emphasizing its short duration.

superficial assessment

Highlights the lack of depth in the assessment, suggesting it only scratches the surface.

quick inspection

Emphasizes the speed of the inspection, implying it's done rapidly.

perfunctory review

Indicates the review is carried out as a duty without much care or attention.

passing glance

Suggests an even more fleeting look, almost incidental.

hasty check

Implies the check was done quickly, possibly under time constraints.

shallow analysis

Stresses the lack of depth in the analytical process.

light survey

Suggests the survey was not thorough or exhaustive.

fleeting look

Highlights the momentary nature of the observation.

surface examination

Like "superficial assessment", it emphasizes the lack of deep investigation.

FAQs

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

You can use "cursory observation" to describe a quick or superficial examination, such as, "After a cursory observation, the inspector noted several minor defects".

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

Alternatives include "brief examination", "superficial assessment", or "quick inspection" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "cursory observation" in formal writing?

Yes, "cursory observation" is suitable for formal writing when you need to convey that an examination was not exhaustive, but be mindful that it can imply a lack of thoroughness.

What is the difference between "cursory observation" and "detailed analysis"?

"Cursory observation" implies a brief, superficial look, while "detailed analysis" suggests a thorough and in-depth investigation. The two are opposite in terms of depth and effort.