examining the list

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "examining the list" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of looking closely at or analyzing a list for specific information or details. Example: "After examining the list, I noticed several discrepancies that needed to be addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Examining the list of zombie addresses, Lyon picked one and ran a command called a "traceroute".

The New Yorker

Tax investigators have been examining the list to see whether there is any overlap between those who bought London properties and those already identified as being tax cheats.

The New York Times

The truth is pain medications are in the same exact class as heroin, morphine – they're very addictive". This point is backed by examining the list of drugs found in Murphy's room.

The Guardian

Greek officials are examining the list to determine whether the people named — who they say include prominent businessmen, bankers, shipping tycoons and professional athletes — have deceived the tax authorities by understating their wealth.

The New York Times

"We are adding up the number of men who may be going to prison," said Isaac Wyler, 42, the eldest of Mr. Wyler's 34 children, who was examining the list on Sunday to see which men may have had wives under the legal age when they married.

The New York Times

How often do we all install phone and tablet apps, browser plugins, and other software, without carefully examining the list of permissions we grant?

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

But the more one examined the list, the wackier it seemed.

The Guardian - Books

It pays to examine the list of drugs offered by each.

The Washington Post

To examine the list and report to parliament in secret, a recognised expert might be picked.

The Economist

A lot of wine will flow under our belt before then, we hope, but as we sit here and examine the list, it seems like tomorrow.

The New Yorker

If you re-examine the list, you'll notice that no serious cleaning was accomplished, no yard work, no reordering of closets or cabinets, no et cetera.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing reports or analyses, use "examining the list" to introduce a detailed review of specific items or data points to enhance clarity and provide a clear context for your observations.

Common error

Avoid using "examining the list" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "checking the list" or "looking at the list" to maintain a natural and conversational tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "examining the list" functions as a gerund phrase when used as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. Examples show its use in various contexts, mostly in News & Media and Science.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "examining the list" is a grammatically correct gerund phrase that signifies a detailed review or analysis of a set of items. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is frequently encountered in news and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While it's appropriate for professional settings, simpler alternatives might be preferred in informal communication. Remember to use it when a thorough review is intended and opt for alternatives like "checking" or "reviewing" for casual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reviewing the catalog

Replaces "list" with "catalog", implying a more detailed or comprehensive collection.

analyzing the roster

Substitutes "examining" with "analyzing" and "list" with "roster", suggesting a deeper level of investigation of a personnel list.

scrutinizing the inventory

Replaces "examining" with "scrutinizing", implying a more critical and detailed inspection of items in stock.

inspecting the register

Substitutes "list" with "register", indicating a formal record or list of names, items, or transactions.

assessing the compilation

Changes "examining" to "assessing", focusing on evaluating the worth or significance of the collected items.

perusing the directory

Replaces "examining" with "perusing" and "list" with "directory", suggesting a casual yet thorough review of listed contacts or locations.

going over the record

Offers a more informal alternative to "examining the list", suitable for casual conversation.

checking the manifest

Replaces "list" with "manifest", usually referring to a detailed list of cargo or passengers on a ship or aircraft.

studying the index

Changes "examining" to "studying" and "list" to "index", implying careful observation and learning.

investigating the enumeration

Offers a formal alternative, changing "examining" to "investigating" and "list" to "enumeration", emphasizing a methodical inquiry.

FAQs

How can I use "examining the list" in a sentence?

You can use "examining the list" to introduce a detailed review of items. For example, "After examining the list, we identified several discrepancies".

What phrases are similar to "examining the list"?

Similar phrases include "reviewing the list", "analyzing the list", or "scrutinizing the list", depending on the context.

Is "examining the list" formal or informal?

"Examining the list" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase suitable for professional, academic, or news-related contexts.

What's the difference between "examining the list" and "looking at the list"?

"Examining the list" implies a more thorough and detailed review, while "looking at the list" suggests a more casual or cursory glance.