cursory reading

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cursory reading" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quick or superficial reading of a text, often without paying close attention to detail. Example: "After a cursory reading of the report, I realized I needed to delve deeper into the data presented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

So, at least, the exchange appears on a cursory reading.

The New Yorker

A cursory reading of the libretto gives rise to yet another urgent question.

The New York Times

Even a cursory reading of the bill yields two stark conclusions.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is much more to his words than cursory reading could unravel.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet even a cursory reading of the workings of this bill demonstrates that it goes against each of these goods.

The Guardian - Opinion

In fact, as the most cursory reading of these poets shows, it is impossible to make such generalisations.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

MSNBC: "What Took Trump's Republican Critics So Long?" If you only have time for a cursory read, scanning the headlines and dipping in here and there offers a decent fix.

The New Yorker

Hitler clearly gave Darwin a cursory read and extrapolated liberally.

Vice

A cursory read through the exchange paints Swinton as responsibly conscious in asking the hard questions about race.

HuffPost

"Even a cursory read of American music business history will tell you that oftentimes these deals were fairly onerous, and the deck was stacked against the artists," said Casey Rae-Hunter, deputy director of the Future of Music Coalition, an artists' advocacy group.

The New York Times

Hemingway scholars think the work is more complicated and important than a cursory read suggests.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cursory reading" when you want to emphasize that an analysis or examination was quick and not very thorough. This is useful when contrasting it with a more detailed or in-depth analysis.

Common error

Avoid making definitive conclusions or decisions based solely on a "cursory reading". It's crucial to acknowledge the limitations of such a superficial examination and seek deeper insights when necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cursory reading" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'cursory' modifies the noun 'reading'. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples from the provided context show it describing a superficial or quick examination of a text.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

27%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cursory reading" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a quick, superficial examination of text. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered grammatically correct, appearing often in contexts like news, media, science, and academic publications. While useful for quick assessments, it's crucial to remember the limitations and avoid making definitive decisions based solely on such a reading. Alternatives such as "quick glance" or "superficial examination" can be used depending on the specific context. When writing, be aware of the potential for misinterpretation and emphasize the need for a more detailed analysis if required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

superficial examination

Emphasizes the lack of depth in the analysis.

surface-level reading

Directly implies that the reading does not go beyond the surface details.

shallow analysis

Focuses on the lack of depth and insight.

brief scan

Suggests a rapid and superficial examination of the text.

hasty review

Highlights the speed and potential lack of thoroughness.

light perusal

Suggests a casual and not very serious reading.

quick glance

Replaces the reading aspect with a visual metaphor, implying a very brief look.

perfunctory look

Emphasizes the routine and possibly uninterested nature of the examination.

fleeting review

Conveys the very short duration of the examination.

passing glance

Indicates an even briefer and less attentive look than a quick glance.

FAQs

How to use "cursory reading" in a sentence?

You can use "cursory reading" to describe a quick or superficial examination of a text, like: "After a cursory reading of the contract, I consulted a lawyer."

What can I say instead of "cursory reading"?

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

Is "cursory reading" the same as "thorough reading"?

No, a "cursory reading" is the opposite of a thorough reading. It means reading something quickly and superficially, without paying close attention to detail, while a thorough reading involves a deep and comprehensive analysis.

When is it appropriate to perform a "cursory reading"?

A "cursory reading" can be appropriate when you need to quickly assess the general content of a document or when you don't have time for a more detailed analysis. However, always follow up with a more in-depth review if important decisions depend on the content.