examining it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "examining it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of inspecting or analyzing something in detail. Example: "The researchers are examining it to determine the underlying causes of the phenomenon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

TB: Well, we are examining it.

The Guardian

We strolled around on the painting, examining it.

The New Yorker

How to understand something so complex by examining it piecemeal?

The New York Times - Science

Experts are expected to start examining it on Tuesday.

The Guardian

"I mean, it's freaky when you start examining it.

The Guardian - Film

Indian forensic experts were examining it late in the afternoon.

The New York Times

Examining it closely, she grows almost misty-eyed.

The New York Times

The difficulty is that Stoppard then glides away from examining it.

The Guardian

From another mound, he retrieves a hip socket, examining it closely for evidence of osteoarthritis.

The New York Times

F.B.I. experts are examining it, using fingerprinting, DNA tests and other evidence-gathering techniques.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Oxford acknowledged that an injustice had been done but decided that re-examining it would set a dangerous precedent.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "examining it", ensure the context clearly indicates what 'it' refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader. For example, 'The committee is examining the proposal' provides clear context.

Common error

Avoid using "examining it" without a clear antecedent for 'it'. Ensure the noun or concept 'it' represents is explicitly stated in the preceding sentence or paragraph to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "examining it" functions as a gerund phrase + pronoun, acting as a noun in the sentence. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is both correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts such as scientific research and forensic analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

28%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "examining it" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase in English, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to describe the act of closely inspecting or analyzing something, suitable for various contexts ranging from news and media to scientific research. To ensure clarity, it's crucial to provide a clear antecedent for 'it'. While generally neutral in tone, the formality of "examining it" can vary with the surrounding language. Alternatives include "analyzing it", "inspecting it", and "investigating it", each carrying slightly different nuances. Therefore, understanding these nuances is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inspecting it

Focuses on visual or physical scrutiny, similar to examining but often implying a more cursory look.

analyzing it

Implies a more in-depth, methodical approach to understanding the subject, often involving breaking it down into smaller parts.

investigating it

Suggests a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine the facts of an incident, allegation, etc. to establish the truth.

scrutinizing it

Indicates a very careful and critical examination, often looking for flaws or errors.

assessing it

Focuses on evaluating the value, quality or importance of something.

evaluating it

Implies a judgment or appraisal of its worth or significance after careful examination.

reviewing it

Suggests a formal assessment or inspection, often for the purpose of making changes or improvements.

exploring it

Implies venturing into unknown or unfamiliar territory, often with the goal of discovery.

studying it

Suggests a dedicated effort to learn and understand the subject in detail.

checking it out

Informal way of saying examining it with an implication of curiosity or interest.

FAQs

How can I use "examining it" in a sentence?

Use "examining it" when you want to describe the action of inspecting, scrutinizing, or analyzing something. For example, "The scientists are "examining it" under a microscope to understand its structure".

What are some alternatives to "examining it"?

You can use alternatives like "analyzing it", "inspecting it", or "investigating it" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the examination process.

Is "examining it" formal or informal?

"Examining it" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the surrounding language and specific context will further define the overall formality.

How does "examining it" differ from "reviewing it"?

"Examining it" suggests a more detailed and probing investigation, while "reviewing it" implies a more general assessment or overview. The choice depends on the depth of analysis being performed.