examines

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "examines" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of inspecting, analyzing, or studying something in detail. Example: "The researcher examines the effects of climate change on local wildlife populations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Usually, the media focus of rape in DRC is on the conflict zone in the east of the country, but the FFT report examines the fate of female political activists in the capital, Kinshasa, and other parts of the country.

The Guardian

In this brilliant, jet-black comedy, Bret Easton Ellis satirises the excesses of yuppy materialism and examines the dark side of the American Dream.

The Guardian - Books

Age UK funds the University of Edinburgh's The Disconnected Mind research project which examines how thinking skills alter with age and the influences behind those changes.

The Guardian

Our work examines a considerably larger collection – 800 books – over multiple genres, providing insights into lexical, syntactic, and discourse patterns that characterise the writing styles commonly shared among the successful literature".

The Guardian - Books

Elsewhere, in recent postings, Eirlys Rhiannon, writes here about the aridity of the arcane legal argument, while Jane Fae examines the case as a whole here.

The Guardian

The artist, whose work in photography, sculpture and installation examines architecture and landscape, travelled to the Arctic in 2004.

The Guardian - Arts

The analysis examines voting in the September's independence referendum and looks at how, if there were similar voting patterns in the general election, this could affect the number of seats Labour holds in Scotland – currently 41.

The Guardian

However approaching campaigners to become informers can - for the police - be hazardous, as this article examines.

The Guardian

Elsewhere the programme confines itself to describing problems – under-resourced and irrelevant schooling, sluggish bureaucracy, political corruption – but on the subject of the war on drugs it examines a possible solution.

The Guardian

The book examines how to create an economy for the many, a more inclusive society and a better politics.

The Guardian

This includes inserting a – discreet yet shocking – post-sex scene, in which Julie, legs splayed, examines herself.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "examines", ensure that the context clearly indicates the depth and focus of the investigation. This word is most appropriate when discussing thorough and detailed analyses.

Common error

Avoid using "examines" when a simpler word like "looks at" or "checks" would suffice, especially in casual conversation or less formal writing. Reserve it for scenarios where a deep, analytical approach is warranted.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "examines" is that of a transitive verb. It describes an action performed on an object, indicating a detailed investigation or analysis of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "examines" functions as a transitive verb indicating a detailed and methodical investigation or analysis. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific domains. When writing, it's best practice to use "examines" to denote a thorough, in-depth analysis rather than a casual observation. Alternatives such as "investigates", "analyzes", and "scrutinizes" can be used depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

investigates

Implies a systematic or formal inquiry.

analyzes

Focuses on breaking down a subject into its components for detailed study.

scrutinizes

Suggests a very careful and critical examination.

explores

Indicates a broad and open-ended investigation.

assesses

Highlights the act of evaluating or judging something.

studies

Implies a dedicated and methodical approach to learning about a subject.

reviews

Suggests a formal evaluation or survey of something.

inspects

Focuses on a detailed visual examination.

probes

Implies a deep and thorough investigation, often into sensitive areas.

surveys

Indicates a comprehensive overview or assessment of a wide range of elements.

FAQs

How can I use "examines" in a sentence?

Use "examines" to describe a detailed investigation or analysis of a subject. For example, "The report examines the impact of social media on political campaigns."

What are some alternatives to "examines"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "investigates", "analyzes", or "scrutinizes" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to use "examines" or "looks at" in formal writing?

"Examines" is generally more appropriate for formal writing as it suggests a more in-depth and methodical analysis than "looks at".

When should I use "examines" versus "investigates"?

"Examines" is suitable when analyzing something comprehensively, while "investigates" often implies a more formal or official inquiry, especially when seeking to uncover facts or wrongdoing.