examine anything

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "examine anything" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to investigate or analyze any subject or object without limitation. Example: "In this experiment, you are free to examine anything that you find interesting in the lab."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"We're not stepping back to examine anything that could be called a controversy.

The New York Times - Arts

Its institutions and investigative bodies are worthy, while Hamas intentionally fired upon innocent civilians and did not examine anything".

The New York Times

The Conservative MP said he would not be able to see all of the censored material but the committee would ask to examine anything taken out of the report at the request of the UK agencies.

The Guardian

It's not that he is fiercely private – in fact, after I ask when he lost his virginity, he seems to warm to me – but rather just indisposed to examine anything too closely.

The Guardian - Music

He told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show he would not be able to see all of the redacted material but the committee would ask to examine anything taken out of the report at the request of the UK agencies.

The Guardian

After two months of head-scratching and scapegoat-hunting, it has now shown signs, through its new interior minister, that it is ready to examine anything that may give Chiapas a chance at the peace and economic progress now enjoyed by most of the country.In this section Deadly drug?

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

I don't think I've ever examined anything so closely.

Independent

Cookson also confirmed that more than 200 bikes are expected to have been tested for hidden motors at this world championships, using a new technology which allows a tablet or mobile phone to be used to detect "anything capable of generating power" within a bike, which can then be examined for anything suspicious.

The Guardian - Sport

And so, they say, every heaping bucket, every loaded shovel, should be examined for anything that may give a grieving family something to bury properly.

The New York Times

Blood samples will not only be tested against the 200 banned substances, but will also be examined for anything not previously encountered.

Independent

You know, without examining or anything: "Just wear and tear" but of course I didnae make a big thing about it.

Family Practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "examine anything" when you want to encourage a thorough and unrestricted investigation. For example, "During the audit, feel free to examine anything that seems relevant."

Common error

Avoid using "examine anything" when a more specific verb would provide clarity. For instance, instead of "examine anything related to the budget", specify "analyze the financial reports" or "review the expense claims".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "examine anything" functions as a verb phrase where "examine" is the transitive verb and "anything" is the direct object. It expresses the act of investigating or scrutinizing without any limitations on the object of the examination. This is consistent with the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "examine anything" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English, although not overly common. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It functions as a verb phrase used to encourage a comprehensive investigation without constraints. While adaptable to various registers, it leans towards a neutral tone and finds frequent application in news, scientific, and formal business settings. When writing, be aware of the potential for vagueness and consider whether a more specific verb and object would enhance clarity. Remember, while the phrase is correct, precision and context are key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Investigate anything

Focuses more on a systematic or formal inquiry.

Inspect anything

Suggests a close, careful observation, often for flaws or details.

Analyze anything

Emphasizes breaking something down into its components to understand it better.

Scrutinize anything

Implies a very critical and detailed examination.

Assess anything

Focuses on evaluating the value or importance of something.

Consider anything

Suggests a thoughtful review or deliberation.

Explore anything

Implies a broad and open-ended investigation.

Review anything

Suggests a formal re-evaluation or summary.

Check anything

Indicates a quick verification or confirmation.

Study anything

Implies a dedicated effort to gain knowledge and understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "examine anything" in a sentence?

You can use "examine anything" to suggest a thorough investigation without limitations. For example: "The committee is authorized to examine anything related to the case."

What's a more formal alternative to "examine anything"?

For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "investigate anything" or "scrutinize anything", which imply a more rigorous and systematic approach.

What can I say instead of "examine anything" in casual conversation?

In more casual settings, you might use alternatives like "check anything" or "look into anything", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it best to use "examine anything" versus a more specific phrase?

Use "examine anything" when you want to emphasize that the scope of the investigation is open and unrestricted. If you have a specific aspect in mind, a more precise phrase like "analyze the data" or "inspect the prototype" would be more effective.