heightened scrutiny

USAGE SUMMARY

"heightened scrutiny" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used in legal and political contexts, and refers to a higher level of scrutiny or examination that is applied to certain actions or decisions. Example: The Supreme Court applied heightened scrutiny to the controversial law, considering its potential effects on individual rights and freedoms.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

(See Jeffrey Toobin's post for a discussion of what "heightened scrutiny" means).

The New Yorker

Holder takes the position that "classifications based on sexual orientation warrant heightened scrutiny".

The New Yorker

"There's heightened scrutiny to these schemes and the damage they cause".

The New York Times

It also notes heightened scrutiny by citizens posting leaks about official misconduct online.

The New York Times

Think again about what this judicial tool is called: "intermediate" or "heightened" scrutiny.

The Economist

Securities regulators are also giving the hedge-fund industry heightened scrutiny.

The New York Times

That has heightened scrutiny of the Audit Bureau of Circulations, which verifies circulation figures.

The New York Times

It said that Proposition 8, the state's ban on same-sex marriage, should be subjected to "heightened scrutiny" — a tough test for any law — and stated flatly that "Proposition 8 fails heightened scrutiny".

The New York Times

Despite its flaws, the article heightened scrutiny of campus sexual assaults amid a campaign by President Barack Obama.

Independent

Heightened scrutiny requires judges to devote special consideration to situations where vulnerable groups may be treated unfairly.

The Economist

The case has fueled speculation about human trafficking and illegal adoption rackets, and heightened scrutiny of Roma populations across Europe.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "heightened scrutiny", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being scrutinized and why. Provide specific details to avoid ambiguity and enhance clarity for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "heightened scrutiny" in casual or informal settings. This phrase carries a formal tone and is best reserved for discussions of legal, political, or business matters where thorough examination is critical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heightened scrutiny" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the object of a verb (e.g., "faces heightened scrutiny") or follows a preposition (e.g., "under heightened scrutiny"). As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it denotes an intensified level of examination or monitoring.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

2%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "heightened scrutiny" is a frequently used noun phrase, particularly in news and media, to indicate a state of increased and more careful examination, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It carries a neutral to professional tone, suggesting its suitability for formal discussions. When using the phrase, remember to focus on clarity, context, and appropriateness for the setting. Alternative phrases such as "increased oversight" or "closer examination" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. The best practice is to avoid using "heightened scrutiny" in informal contexts, reserving it for legal, political, or business matters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increased oversight

Focuses on the supervisory aspect, implying closer management and control.

closer examination

Emphasizes a detailed and thorough investigation or inspection.

stricter monitoring

Highlights the act of observing and checking something more rigorously.

intense investigation

Suggests a deep and thorough inquiry into a particular matter.

rigorous review

Indicates a comprehensive and exacting assessment.

careful inspection

Implies a meticulous and thorough examination for flaws or issues.

enhanced surveillance

Focuses on increased observation, often for security purposes.

more intense observation

Highlights the act of watching something more carefully than usual.

sharper focus

Suggests a clearer and more concentrated attention on a specific issue.

deeper analysis

Indicates a more profound and thorough analytical process.

FAQs

How is "heightened scrutiny" typically used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "heightened scrutiny" refers to a more rigorous judicial review applied to certain laws or government actions, particularly when they potentially infringe on fundamental rights or discriminate against protected classes. This requires the government to demonstrate a compelling interest and that the law is narrowly tailored to achieve that interest.

What are some synonyms for "heightened scrutiny" that I can use in my writing?

Alternatives to "heightened scrutiny" include "increased oversight", "closer examination", or "stricter monitoring", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "heightened scrutiny"?

"Heightened scrutiny" is appropriate when describing situations where there is increased vigilance or examination due to potential risks, controversies, or legal implications. It's commonly used in discussions of legal, political, and business matters.

What does "heightened scrutiny" mean in the context of government regulations?

In the context of government regulations, "heightened scrutiny" indicates that regulatory bodies are paying closer attention to specific industries, practices, or entities to ensure compliance, prevent fraud, or protect public interests. This often leads to more frequent audits, stricter enforcement, and increased reporting requirements.