inspect the premises

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inspect the premises" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to property, safety inspections, or legal matters where an examination of a location is required. Example: "Before finalizing the lease agreement, the landlord requested to inspect the premises for any damages."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

He added that the department would inspect the premises again soon.

The New York Times

More than once, the state sent "inspectors" — a knock at the door, someone insisting he had a right to inspect the premises.

The New York Times

A social worker came to interview all three of us, separately and together, and to inspect the premises, and wrote up her findings in a "home study".

The New Yorker

By the time Reynier and McEwan were able to inspect the premises, in early 2001, the distillery had been mothballed for seven years.

The New Yorker

Food safety officers up and down the country inspect the premises of just about anywhere that you can get food: schools, sandwich shops, pubs, hotels and bakeries.

The Guardian

Mr. Fessler said that the house was renovated "utilizing licensed electricians and contractors" and that "the Parkers had 60 days between contract and closing to inspect the premises".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Fire officials inspected the premises a year ago.

The Washington Post

The local fire authority inspected the premises 18 months ago and a fire certificate was issued under the Fire Precautions Act 1971.

Fire Hazards in Industry

Ignorant of the occupant's identity, a high-kicking member of Pandora's harem inspected the premises.

Independent

Before the day's regimen begins, Mr. Ho inspects the premises (later in the day, always unannounced, a city official also conducts an inspection).

The New York Times

The spokesman said he was aware that some asylum seekers and beds had been moved out of Lynx House before the council inspected the premises.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In property-related contexts, always specify who is authorized to "inspect the premises" and under what conditions, adhering to legal guidelines and respecting privacy rights.

Common error

Avoid using "inspect the premises" without specifying the areas or aspects being inspected. For instance, instead of saying "the health department will inspect the premises", clarify "the health department will inspect the kitchen and food storage areas".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inspect the premises" primarily functions as a verb phrase acting as an instruction or description of an action. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is used when describing a formal examination of a location, often in legal, safety, or property contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "inspect the premises" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of examining a location, often in formal or official contexts. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is used to denote a specific action, such as ensuring compliance or assessing property. To enhance clarity, especially in legal or formal documents, specify the scope and purpose of the inspection. Avoid overuse without detailing the specific areas or aspects under inspection to prevent ambiguity. Remember, as noted by Ludwig, the term maintains a relatively formal to neutral register and should be used appropriately in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

examine the location

Replaces 'premises' with a more general term, slightly altering the focus.

assess the property

Substitutes 'inspect' with 'assess' and 'premises' with 'property', providing a more evaluative tone.

survey the site

Offers a more formal alternative, often used in construction or planning contexts.

check the building

Uses simpler vocabulary, making it less formal than the original phrase.

investigate the area

Suggests a more in-depth examination, often implying a search for something specific.

view the property

Emphasizes the visual aspect of the inspection.

scrutinize the facilities

Implies a very detailed and critical examination.

audit the location

Often used in a formal or business context, implying a systematic review.

look over the site

A more casual alternative, suggesting a quick examination.

go over the grounds

Implies a physical walkthrough and examination of the external areas.

FAQs

What does "inspect the premises" mean?

The phrase "inspect the premises" means to examine a building or area, typically to ensure it meets certain standards or to look for something specific.

What is a more formal way to say "inspect the premises"?

A more formal alternative to "inspect the premises" is to "examine the location" or "assess the property".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "inspect the premises"?

It's appropriate to use "inspect the premises" in contexts involving property management, safety checks, legal compliance, or any situation where a formal examination of a location is required.

What are some synonyms for "inspect the premises"?

Synonyms for "inspect the premises" include "survey the site", "check the building", or "investigate the area", depending on the specific context and level of formality desired.