invigilator

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "invigilator" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone who supervises an exam or other testing situation, such as a proctor or monitor. For example, "The students were nervous as the invigilator watched their every move."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

"I really thought: 'I am going to have to vote Labour because it's the lesser of two evils in order to keep the Tories out' – but now, after watching the debate, my feeling is 'Damn it, I'll just go with my heart and vote Green'," said Becca, 58, an exam invigilator.

The Guardian

Psycho was itself the film that so emphatically answered that question in 1960 and the story of its creation – based on Stephen Rebello's enthralling 1990 account, Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho, and scripted by John McLaughlin – is at heart the story of a marriage, between a fat, ugly genius and the "tiny, birdlike woman" who was invigilator, confidante and touchstone to his talent.

The Guardian - Film

The invigilator felt obliged to report it.

The Economist

I'm not normally sorry that my exam-taking years are behind me, but I've found that as I get older I acquire bits of knowledge that positively demand a sharp pencil and a desk in a quiet room, with an invigilator padding up and down the aisles.

Independent

Last summer, staff had to arrange a venue and invigilator for a student taking exams on São Tomé and Principe, the two volcanic islands that comprise Africa's second-smallest country.

Independent

She left dance school to study art history at Bristol University, taking a job as an invigilator at the Arnolfini.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

She was, in Guinness-speak, a "hug-invigilator," and she told the crowd that she was there to help them break the world record for the biggest hug... Four young ones, who had been ordered to put on Teletubby costumes, emerged from the wings and began roaming the tables, to put their colleagues in a huggable mood.

The New Yorker

Guinness agreed to the plan and even brought in its own official "hug-invigilator" to oversee the proceedings, which transpired as the second day of the Goldman conference drew to a close: The investment bankers went to work.

The New Yorker

At Queen Mary, University of London, students must take off electronic watches, while at Oxford and Cambridge, students' watches are "subject to examination by invigilators".

The Guardian

And the invigilators who police the actual exam are not always immune to bribery, either.

The Economist

Invigilators warn or disqualify test-takers whose eyes or hands wander in suspicious ways.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about formal examination settings, use "invigilator" to clearly denote the supervisor's role in maintaining test integrity.

Common error

Avoid using "invigilator" when referring to someone who teaches a course or prepares students for exams. "Invigilator" specifically refers to the person supervising the exam, not the educator.

Linguistic Context

The noun "invigilator" primarily functions as a subject or object within a sentence, denoting a person responsible for supervision. Ludwig AI confirms this through various examples where "invigilator" is used to describe individuals overseeing exams or museum galleries.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "invigilator" correctly refers to a supervisor, typically in an examination or museum setting. As Ludwig AI confirms, this noun commonly appears in news and media, denoting someone responsible for maintaining order and preventing irregularities. While alternatives like "exam supervisor" or "monitor" exist, "invigilator" provides a specific and precise descriptor, particularly in formal contexts. Ludwig's analysis indicates that using "invigilator" appropriately enhances clarity and professionalism in writing. Overall, the term is grammatically sound and frequently employed in various contexts, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exam supervisor

Replaces "invigilator" with more common synonym focusing on exams.

test proctor

American English synonym focusing on overseeing tests.

monitor

Broader term for someone who observes or checks activity.

supervisor

General term for someone in charge; less specific than "invigilator".

observer

Focuses on the act of watching, lacks the authority implication of "invigilator".

gallery attendant

Specific to museum context; less common usage of "invigilator".

warden

Implies a more strict supervisory role, often in a confined setting.

overseer

Suggests a managerial role with a focus on ensuring tasks are completed.

chief examiner

Relates to a senior role in the exam setting; more involved in the exam design than "invigilator".

impartial observer

Highlights neutrality; "invigilator" already implies impartiality.

FAQs

What does "invigilator" mean?

An "invigilator" is a person who supervises students during an examination or oversees a gallery at a museum, ensuring rules are followed.

What can I say instead of "invigilator"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "exam supervisor", "test proctor", or "monitor".

Is "invigilator" a formal word?

"Invigilator" is a neutral term used in formal contexts like examinations and museum settings. While not overly formal, it is precise and appropriate for official communication.

What are the responsibilities of an "invigilator"?

An "invigilator" is responsible for maintaining order, preventing cheating, and ensuring a fair testing environment during examinations. In a museum, they oversee the gallery to protect the artwork and assist visitors.