he surveys

USAGE SUMMARY

"he surveys" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is conducting an examination or inspection. Example: He surveys the landscape, taking note of any changes that may have occurred since his last visit.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

As he surveys the peacocks strutting across his lawn here, Mr. Lamas worries about the future, too.

The New York Times

He surveys the congregation.

The New Yorker

He surveys the city.

Princeton University

He surveys the room.

The Guardian

He surveys the crowd and smiles.

The New York Times

He surveys the nearly deserted lobby.

The New York Times - Travel

But the studies he surveys do overestimate unification's costs.

The Economist

Soares's Leontes is an autocrat, master of all he surveys.

The Guardian

He surveys himself, and Sicily, with unflinching honesty.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

He wants to be self-sufficient; he wants to master all he ­surveys.

The New York Times - Books

He surveys the rubble of wartime London; grim, bowler-hatted, lonely in command.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he surveys" to depict a character or individual taking a broad view of a situation, location, or set of circumstances. It's effective for setting a scene or establishing a character's perspective.

Common error

Avoid limiting "surveys" to its use as a method for collecting data. While related, "he surveys" generally refers to a visual or intellectual overview, not necessarily a formal questionnaire or poll.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he surveys" functions as a third-person singular present tense verb phrase. It describes the action of a male subject examining or viewing something comprehensively. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and actively used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he surveys" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe someone comprehensively viewing or examining something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent use across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academia, it maintains a neutral register, making it versatile for diverse writing styles. To enhance your writing, use it to establish a character's perspective or set a scene, while avoiding confusion with its data-collection-specific cousin "surveys". Consider related phrases like "he examines" or "he observes" to add nuance to your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he observes

Highlights the act of watching and noticing details.

he views

A more general term for looking at something.

he examines

Focuses on a more detailed inspection rather than a general overview.

he watches

Emphasizes the act of paying attention to something over time.

he inspects

Suggests a formal or official examination.

he scrutinizes

Implies a critical and thorough observation.

he assesses

Focuses on evaluating or judging based on observation.

he oversees

Indicates a supervisory role while observing.

he contemplates

Suggests thoughtful consideration while observing.

he dominates

Shifts the focus to control and mastery over what is being viewed, rather than the act of observing itself.

FAQs

How can I use "he surveys" in a sentence?

Use "he surveys" to describe someone looking at or considering something in a comprehensive way. For example, "He surveys the battlefield, looking for any sign of movement."

What are some alternatives to using "he surveys"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "he examines", "he observes", or "he assesses".

Is there a difference between "he surveys" and "he investigated"?

"He surveys" suggests a general overview, while "he investigated" implies a more in-depth and methodical examination.

When is it appropriate to use "he surveys" instead of "he looks at"?

"He surveys" is best used when describing a comprehensive assessment or overview, whereas "he looks at" is a more general and less specific term.