examine carefully

USAGE SUMMARY

'examine carefully' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the importance of examining something closely and thoroughly. For example: "Please examine the data carefully to look for any inconsistencies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Differences in success rates between ethnic groups are therefore something we are continuing to examine carefully for possible explanations".

The Guardian

"The two accounts are irreconcilable and I have had therefore to examine carefully the evidence of other witnesses.

The Guardian - Music

We thus need to examine carefully our psychotherapeutic techniques and their benefits (or lack thereof) for our heterogeneous population.

The New York Times

"If you examine carefully what the pope said, he said that war is not always inevitable, and we agree," Mr. Nicholson said, adding that Saddam Hussein can prevent an attack on Iraq if he complies fully with weapons inspections and eliminates any weapons of mass destruction.

The New York Times

Looking ahead to the challenge of GP registration, the health committee plans in 2013 to examine carefully the extent to which the CQC has learnt from its experience of dental registration so that it delivers a more streamlined process that limits the burdens placed on GPs.

The Guardian

One memo, however, that the inquiry needs to examine carefully is the one seen by international law expert Philippe Sands QC, in which Bush was noted as telling Blair that perhaps they should paint a US plane with UN colours, hoping that Saddam would shoot at it and give the US the pretext for war.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Congress needs to repeal it and re-examine, carefully this time, what powers the government really needs to eavesdrop on Americans and what limits and safeguards need to be placed on those powers.

The New York Times

The sources stressed that export licences would be examined carefully.

The Guardian

But, examined carefully, the articles seem more enthusiastic than substantive.

The New Yorker

This means that the way incidents are categorised should be examined carefully.

The Guardian

Many images of horror have come out of Syria since, but have to be examined carefully.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "examine carefully", consider the context. It's best suited for situations where a detailed and thorough analysis is crucial, such as in scientific research, legal investigations, or critical decision-making processes.

Common error

Avoid using "examine carefully" in everyday conversations or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "look closely" or "check thoroughly" are often more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "examine carefully" is to act as a verb phrase, where "examine" is the verb and "carefully" is the adverb modifying the verb, emphasizing the manner of examination. Ludwig AI confirms this with examples showcasing the phrase's role in specifying a detailed and thorough analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

34%

Science & Research

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "examine carefully" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that emphasizes thoroughness and attention to detail. Ludwig AI shows that it appears commonly in news, science, and academic contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When writing, use "examine carefully" when a detailed analysis is crucial, but consider simpler alternatives like "look closely" in informal settings. Related phrases include "analyze thoroughly" and "inspect closely", each offering a slightly different nuance. This phrase underscores the importance of meticulousness in various fields, from scientific research to critical decision-making.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scrutinize meticulously

Focuses on the high level of detail and precision in the examination.

analyze thoroughly

Emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the analysis.

investigate rigorously

Highlights the strict and methodical approach to the investigation.

inspect closely

Focuses on the proximity and attentiveness of the inspection.

assess precisely

Stresses the accuracy and exactness of the assessment.

study attentively

Highlights the focus and care given to the study.

review comprehensively

Emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of the review.

probe deeply

Indicates an extensive and thorough search.

delve meticulously

Stresses the attention to fine points.

evaluate comprehensively

Highlights the complete assessment.

FAQs

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

You can use "examine carefully" to emphasize the need for a thorough and detailed analysis. For example, "The scientists must "examine carefully" the data before drawing any conclusions."

What are some alternatives to "examine carefully"?

Alternatives to "examine carefully" include "analyze thoroughly", "investigate rigorously", or "inspect closely". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "examine carefully" or "carefully examine"?

Both "examine carefully" and "carefully examine" are grammatically correct, but "examine carefully" is generally preferred because it sounds more natural in modern English. The placement of the adverb can subtly shift the emphasis.

What's the difference between "examine carefully" and "scrutinize"?

"Examine carefully" implies a thorough and detailed analysis, while "scrutinize" suggests a more critical and potentially suspicious examination. "Scrutinize" often implies looking for errors or inconsistencies.