harsh scrutiny

USAGE SUMMARY

'harsh scrutiny' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to close or critical examination that is considered to be overly difficult or demanding. For example, "The new policy has been subject to harsh scrutiny by the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At a minimum, though, Ms. Rice would face harsh scrutiny.

The New York Times

Mr. Mobutu was hardly a stranger to harsh scrutiny.

The New York Times

The harsh scrutiny of Ms. Baena started as soon as her Myspace photos flooded the Internet.

The New York Times

Still, soldiers who kill other soldiers come under harsh scrutiny, Mr. Fidell said.

The New York Times

But the work of his team has come under harsh scrutiny.

The Guardian

C1 Tough TV Times in Europe European public broadcasters have been placed under harsh scrutiny recently.

The New York Times

We faced international ratings downgrades and harsh scrutiny from the international media.

The Guardian

Still, Dell's board should have known that how it ran the sale would come under harsh scrutiny.

The New York Times

As the authorities work to piece together what caused the bloodletting in June, the Uzbeks have come under harsh scrutiny.

The New York Times

Even if news media coverage is weighted in their favor, male celebrities aren't exactly feeling immune from harsh scrutiny.

The New York Times

Such harsh scrutiny comes as Mr. Colaninno's influence with the Italian government is not what it used to be.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "harsh scrutiny" when you want to emphasize a very critical and detailed examination. It implies a high level of skepticism and a focus on finding fault.

Common error

Be mindful of the negative connotations of "harsh scrutiny". In contexts where a neutral or positive evaluation is intended, consider alternatives like "close examination" or "detailed review".

Linguistic Context

Harsh scrutiny functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. According to Ludwig AI, it is commonly used and grammatically correct. Examples show it describing the state of being closely and critically examined.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

14%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "harsh scrutiny" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used to describe a rigorous and critical examination. As noted by Ludwig AI, it suggests a high level of skepticism and a focus on identifying faults. Predominantly found in news and media, it indicates a neutral register suitable for formal and professional contexts. While interchangeable with terms like "intense examination" or "severe inspection", it's important to consider the potential negative connotations when choosing the most appropriate phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense examination

Focuses on the depth and thoroughness of the examination, implying a detailed review.

severe inspection

Highlights the rigor and strictness of the inspection process.

rigorous investigation

Emphasizes the thorough and methodical nature of the investigation.

close inspection

Suggests a detailed and careful examination, though potentially less severe.

critical assessment

Focuses on the evaluative aspect of the scrutiny, highlighting potential flaws.

in-depth analysis

Highlights the level of detail and comprehensiveness of the analysis.

strict oversight

Implies a supervisory role with a focus on adherence to rules and regulations.

searching inquiry

Emphasizes the probing and questioning nature of the investigation.

detailed audit

Specific to financial or operational reviews, highlighting a thorough examination of records.

forensic analysis

Implies a meticulous and technical examination, often in legal or scientific contexts.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The company's finances are under "harsh scrutiny" after the recent scandal".

What's a good alternative to "harsh scrutiny"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "intense examination", "severe inspection", or "critical assessment".

Is it always negative to be under "harsh scrutiny"?

Yes, the term generally implies a negative situation or expectation, suggesting that someone or something is being examined very critically for potential flaws or wrongdoing.

What distinguishes "harsh scrutiny" from "strict scrutiny"?

"Harsh scrutiny" generally refers to the intensity and critical nature of an examination. "Strict scrutiny", while also rigorous, is a specific legal standard used in constitutional law.