examine the material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "examine the material" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of inspecting or analyzing a specific set of information or resources. Example: "Before making a decision, it is essential to examine the material thoroughly to understand all aspects of the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Wellman says the best engineers invite the homeowner to examine the material removed from the system.

The Guardian - Money

They gave me the impression that they were questioning me just to give themselves time to examine the material".

The Guardian

More important, he conveyed none of the urgency reflected in his e-mail; he told the analyst that she should examine the material in her free time.

The New Yorker

He said that either he or a representative of the center would be traveling to the West Coast to examine the material at a preview.

The New York Times - Arts

But other researchers have not been allowed to examine the material, and Dr. Urton said that many questions had been raised about its authenticity.

The New York Times - Science

Virginia banned uranium mining in 1982, but Coles's company recently got a state permit to drill 40 holes to examine the material.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

The materials split water for three days before the researchers stopped the experiment to examine the materials for damage.

MIT Technology Review

Even so, he said, the agency might "come to regret" its inability to examine the materials further for insights into hidden remnants of Dr. Khan's network.

The New York Times

In this family day at the Bard Graduate Center, geared to ages 6 to 12, children will examine the materials in the show "Knoll Textiles, 1945-2010," then create their own fabric swatches.

The New York Times - Arts

Researchers are advised to examine the materials in Subseries IV should they be interested in Subseries I, II or III.

University of Chicago

The overriding question that lurked throughout the argument was not whether the government could examine the materials contained on the phone -- the broad rules of the Fourth Amendment make it pretty clear that once the police lawfully have gained control of the phone, the police eventually would be able to inspect the contents stored in the phone.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance precision, replace "examine the material" with a more specific verb that reflects the type of analysis being performed, such as 'analyze', 'inspect', or 'review'.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "examine the material" in vague contexts. Always specify the type of material being examined to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The committee will examine the material", specify "The committee will examine the financial reports".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "examine the material" functions as a verb phrase with a direct object. It indicates the action of inspecting or analyzing something tangible or intangible, such as documents, data, or physical samples. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

36%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "examine the material" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that signifies the action of inspecting or analyzing something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, with a neutral register that makes it suitable for various settings. To improve writing, it's essential to specify the type of material being examined and use more specific verbs when appropriate. Alternatives such as "analyze the data" or "review the documentation" can provide greater clarity. By following these guidelines, writers can ensure their usage of "examine the material" is both accurate and effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

analyze the data

Replaces 'material' with 'data', suggesting a more quantitative or structured analysis.

review the documentation

Specifies the 'material' as 'documentation', implying a formal or official set of documents.

inspect the sample

Replaces 'material' with 'sample', indicating a physical or representative portion being examined.

assess the content

Substitutes 'examine' with 'assess' and 'material' with 'content', focusing on evaluating the quality or importance.

study the evidence

Replaces 'material' with 'evidence', suggesting an investigation or inquiry context.

scrutinize the document

Emphasizes careful and critical examination of a specific 'document'.

investigate the matter

Shifts focus to a broader 'matter', implying a more in-depth inquiry than a simple examination.

check the substance

Replaces 'material' with 'substance', which can refer to the essential part or nature of something.

explore the topic

Moves from direct examination to a more exploratory and open-ended investigation.

consider the information

Implies a thoughtful review and deliberation of 'information' rather than a physical 'material'.

FAQs

What does "examine the material" mean?

"Examine the material" means to inspect, analyze, or review a particular set of information, resources, or physical items. The term "material" refers to the subject of the examination.

How can I use "examine the material" in a sentence?

You can use "examine the material" in sentences like: "The scientists will "analyze the data" before drawing conclusions" or "The auditors need to "review the documentation" carefully".

What are some alternatives to "examine the material"?

Some alternatives include "analyze the data", "review the documentation", or "inspect the sample", depending on the context. These phrases offer more specific descriptions of the action being performed.

Is "examine the material" formal or informal?

"Examine the material" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more specific verbs might be preferable in formal or technical writing.