if we examine

USAGE SUMMARY

"if we examine" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to introduce an idea that should be explored further, for example: "If we examine the evidence more closely, we might gain insights into the cause of the incident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If we examine any area of life we will see significant racial inequalities.

The Guardian - Opinion

If we examine the word "commencement," we realize that it is a word meaning "beginning".

The New York Times

And if we examine the deeper symbolism, things become far worse.

The Guardian

If we examine the war in terms of the Holocaust, why should Stalin's strategic actions be exempt from moral interrogation?

The Guardian - Opinion

If we examine both words and deeds, we will see that Israel cannot claim the moral high ground.

The New York Times

Yet, if we examine where the term came from, and how it came to be used, it becomes clear that the idea of the biological clock has as much to do with culture as with nature.

The Guardian

We can see this more clearly if we examine those dystopian novels that famously either anticipated the emergent form of 20th-century totalitarianism, or responded to its actual shape – for in three, prime, examples, the significance of music is primary.

The Guardian - Music

But if we examine the evidence before us, Labour's plans to interfere in people's private and hopefully responsible choices can scarcely be thought of as a positive contribution to the country.

Independent

If we examine a poem in order to determine what it is that makes us feel it to be a poem, we at once find two constant and necessary elements: a complex of images, and a feeling that animates them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If we examine the 50 years of the Green Movement's existence and try to tot up its failures, the inability to halt deforestation would probably be near the top of the list.

Independent

Some clues may be found if we examine just what happened back in 1987.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if we examine" to introduce a specific area or aspect you intend to explore in detail. This sets a clear expectation for the reader.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "if we examine". This can make your writing repetitive. Use synonyms or rephrase to add variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if we examine" functions as a conditional clause, introducing a hypothetical scenario where a subject is analyzed or investigated. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. Examples show it setting up a premise for further discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if we examine" is a grammatically sound and frequently used conditional phrase that introduces a detailed analysis or investigation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It appears across various contexts, from scientific research to news reporting, indicating its versatility and broad applicability. While "if we examine" is effective, varying your sentence structure with alternatives like "if we analyze" or "if we investigate" can enhance your writing. Remember to avoid overuse for optimal clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if we analyze

Changes the verb to "analyze", which suggests a more detailed and structured examination.

if we investigate

Replaces "examine" with "investigate", implying a more thorough and formal inquiry.

if we scrutinize

Substitutes "examine" with "scrutinize", indicating a close and critical inspection.

if we inspect

Uses "inspect" instead of "examine", suggesting a careful and methodical observation.

if we consider

Replaces "examine" with "consider", which implies a more general evaluation or reflection.

if we assess

Substitutes "examine" with "assess", suggesting an evaluation of worth or importance.

if we study

Changes the verb to "study", implying a deliberate and systematic learning process.

should we examine

Adds a degree of formality by inverting the sentence structure.

in the event we examine

Introduces a more formal and conditional tone.

when we examine

Shifts the focus to the timing of the examination, suggesting it will definitely occur.

FAQs

How can I use "if we examine" in a sentence?

The phrase "if we examine" introduces a condition or a point of analysis. For example, "If we examine the data closely, we can identify key trends."

What are some alternatives to "if we examine"?

You can use alternatives such as "if we analyze", "if we investigate", or "if we scrutinize" to add variety to your writing.

Is "if we examine" formal or informal?

"If we examine" is generally suitable for neutral to formal contexts, including academic, scientific, and professional writing.

When is it best to use "if we examine" instead of a simpler phrase like "if we look at"?

"If we examine" is preferred when a more thorough and structured analysis is intended. "If we look at" is suitable for more casual observations.