examine it firsthand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "examine it firsthand" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of directly observing or experiencing something without any intermediaries. Example: "To truly understand the impact of the project, I need to examine it firsthand by visiting the site."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Reference

Social Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dr. Ofunniyin's students aren't just reading about the problem, they are seeing it and examining it firsthand.

HuffPost

Now I want to see it firsthand.

The New York Times - Sports

Now scholars and the public can see it firsthand.

The New York Times - Arts

It is quite another to see it firsthand.

The New York Times

I was excited to see it firsthand.

Huffington Post

Great novels examined it.

The New York Times

Examine it.

The New Yorker

After stopping to stare, they entered to examine firsthand this unlikely sight so near the Holland Tunnel in downtown Manhattan.

The New York Times - Food

The Government Lawyer clinic allows students to examine firsthand the roles and responsibilities of a federal prosecutor.

Harvard University

Civil and environmental engineering "TREX" course allows students to examine firsthand the effects of volcanic emissions on air and soil quality.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

3. Explain to students that they will spend the remainder of the period working in small groups to examine firsthand how "names" or "tags" are used to frame or shape a public debate on a topical issue.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "examine it firsthand" when you want to emphasize the importance of direct personal experience in understanding or evaluating something. This phrase adds credibility to your assessment.

Common error

Avoid using "examine it firsthand" in highly formal academic or professional writing. More formal alternatives such as "personally investigate" or "directly assess" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "examine it firsthand" serves as a verb phrase functioning as an adverbial of manner, modifying the verb to emphasize direct, personal investigation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "examine it firsthand" is a grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the importance of direct, personal investigation. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, its frequency is currently missing from our dataset. The phrase is appropriate for neutral contexts, though more formal options might be preferred in academic or professional settings. Related phrases include "investigate it personally" and "inspect it directly". The key is to use the phrase when emphasizing the value of personal experience in gaining a thorough understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Investigate it personally

Emphasizes the personal aspect of the investigation.

Inspect it directly

Focuses on the directness of the inspection process.

Assess it firsthand

Highlights the direct assessment of something.

Experience it personally

Shifts the focus to personal experience rather than examination.

See it with one's own eyes

Uses a more idiomatic expression for direct observation.

Check it out personally

Offers a more informal way to express personal investigation.

Evaluate it personally

Implies a personal judgment is being made after examination.

Study it directly

Highlights the direct study or analysis of the subject.

Get a firsthand look at it

Focuses on obtaining a direct view or understanding.

Witness it directly

Emphasizes the act of directly witnessing or observing an event.

FAQs

How can I use "examine it firsthand" in a sentence?

You can use "examine it firsthand" to emphasize the importance of direct, personal investigation, such as, "To understand the issue fully, we need to "examine it firsthand".".

What can I say instead of "examine it firsthand"?

Alternatives to "examine it firsthand" include "investigate it personally", "inspect it directly", or "assess it firsthand", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "examine it firsthand" or "experience it firsthand"?

While both are correct, "examine it firsthand" focuses on a deliberate investigation, whereas "experience it personally" emphasizes personal involvement and sensation. The best choice depends on the context.

What's the difference between "examine it firsthand" and "see it with one's own eyes"?

"Examine it firsthand" implies a more thorough and analytical approach, while "see it with one's own eyes" is a more general expression for direct observation, often emphasizing the visual aspect.