face scrutiny

USAGE SUMMARY

"face scrutiny" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to be closely examined or analyzed. Example: As a politician, she knew she would have to face scrutiny from the media and the public for her past actions and decisions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

BAE's Sanders unit could especially face scrutiny.

The New York Times

The Police Department will face scrutiny as well.

The New York Times

Any deal could face scrutiny from regulators in Washington.

The New York Times

Athletes who come to Evangel to play football face scrutiny.

The New York Times - Sports

"Public officials voluntarily assume the risk that they will face scrutiny".

The New York Times

As president, Mr. Obama will face scrutiny that Mr. Romney will not.

The New York Times

Yet even with the triumph over Mr. Tourre, the S.E.C. could still face scrutiny.

The New York Times

A Sony-Bertelsmann venture would likely face scrutiny from various governments, since only five record labels dominate the music business.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The activities of the now-defunct Cambridge Analytica also continue to face scrutiny.

The Guardian

Next year, the transactions will also face scrutiny from the House's new Democratic majority.

The Washington Post

If it were, it would face scrutiny and competitive proposals, he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "face scrutiny" when you want to emphasize that someone or something is being carefully and critically examined, often due to concerns or potential issues. It is applicable in contexts ranging from legal proceedings to personal choices.

Common error

Avoid using "face scrutiny" when a simple review or assessment is intended. "Face scrutiny" implies a more intense and potentially critical examination, not just a routine check. Use "be reviewed" instead in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face scrutiny" functions as a verb phrase where "face" acts as a transitive verb and "scrutiny" as its direct object. The expression signifies the act of encountering or being subjected to critical examination, as highlighted by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "face scrutiny" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies undergoing critical examination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally considered correct in written English. The phrase appears most often in News & Media contexts, denoting situations where individuals, organizations, or policies are under intense public or official review. To use it effectively, ensure that the context genuinely warrants the implication of detailed and critical observation, as opposed to a mere review or assessment. Related phrases like "undergo examination" or "be subject to investigation" can serve as alternatives depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undergo examination

Focuses on a formal or official process of inspection.

be subject to investigation

Suggests a more formal and potentially adversarial inquiry.

come under the microscope

Implies detailed and minute examination, often in a scientific or critical context.

be in the spotlight

Highlights public attention and potential judgment, not necessarily negative.

be held accountable

Emphasizes responsibility and potential consequences for actions.

be put to the test

Focuses on proving competence or worthiness through evaluation.

stand trial

Suggests a legal process to determine guilt or innocence.

be vetted

Implies a thorough background check and approval process.

be audited

Focuses specifically on financial or procedural review for compliance.

be reviewed

Indicates a general assessment or evaluation, without necessarily implying criticism.

FAQs

How can I use "face scrutiny" in a sentence?

You can use "face scrutiny" when something or someone is being examined critically. For example: "The company will "face scrutiny" after the data breach."

What's a good substitute for "face scrutiny"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "undergo examination", "be subject to investigation", or "come under the microscope".

Is it better to say "face scrutiny" or "be under scrutiny"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and similar in meaning. "Face scrutiny" suggests a more active confrontation with the examination, while "be under scrutiny" implies a state of being observed closely.

Who is likely to "face scrutiny"?

Public officials, companies involved in scandals, and anyone making controversial decisions are likely to ""face scrutiny"" from the media, regulators, and the public.