painstaking examination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "painstaking examination" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a thorough and careful analysis or review of something, often implying significant effort and attention to detail. Example: "The scientist conducted a painstaking examination of the data to ensure the accuracy of the results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The digging consists of the removal of surplus dirt and the painstaking examination, through observation, sifting, and other means, of remaining soil, artifacts, and context.

Britannica

The sankofa was widely invoked in 2003, when the 419 remains were reinterred at the site, now known as the African Burial Ground, following painstaking examination.

The New York Times - Arts

Species of Sulawesi macaques were elevated from subspecies to species not through taxonomic sleight of hand, but rather through painstaking examination of novel material.

The Economist

But it's also a painstaking examination of how our roots and our families mould and shape us; a treatise on how interconnected life is and a meditation on how fragile our existence is – and how easily it can all unravel.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There's the painstaking examination and discussion of what we do and don't do and the meeting of audiences, artists, participants and stakeholders to try to begin to understand what they want and need.

The Guardian

Police sources said that investigators had made the breakthrough on the case from a painstaking examination of cell-phone calls around the area of Filin's apartment building, on Troitskaya Street, on the night of the attack.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Howard Plagens, the N.T.S.B. official in charge of the investigation, said that the new evidence was a result of several painstaking examinations of the debris field, which was spread over several hundred feet and contained thousands of pieces of the demolished plane and other remnants of the accident.

The New York Times

Such a probe could involve the slow, painstaking examinations of video footage, photos, internet communications, telephone records, and other material.

Johns Hopkins University

The painstaking forensic examination of the flats occupied by Ms Yeates and her landlord continued yesterday.

Independent

What Pybus offers is a collective biography, made possible through her painstaking — breathtaking — examination of tax lists, muster rolls, property deeds, court dockets, parish records, and unwieldy uncatalogued manuscripts like the papers of General Henry Clinton.

The New Yorker

Diagnosing adults is more challenging, as standard diagnostic criteria are designed for children and the expression of AS changes with age; adult diagnosis requires painstaking clinical examination and thorough medical history gained from both the individual and other people who know the person, focusing on childhood behavior.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "painstaking examination" when you want to emphasize not only the depth of the analysis but also the laboriousness and dedication involved. It's particularly effective when describing processes that require patience and meticulous attention to detail.

Common error

Avoid using "painstaking examination" in everyday situations where a simpler term like "careful look" would suffice. The phrase implies a level of detail and effort that might be excessive for routine scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "painstaking examination" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "painstaking" acts as a descriptive adjective modifying "examination". Ludwig's examples show its use in describing processes requiring thoroughness and careful attention to detail.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "painstaking examination" is a phrase used to describe a thorough, detailed, and laborious process of investigation or analysis. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not overly common, the phrase is prevalent in news, academic, and encyclopedic sources, indicating a formal or neutral register. When using this phrase, it's important to convey the time, effort, and precision involved, but avoid overuse in casual contexts. Alternatives like "meticulous inspection" or "thorough investigation" can be considered depending on the desired nuance. The term conveys the idea of a thorough and meticulous investigation requiring a great deal of patience and attentiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meticulous inspection

Replaces "examination" with "inspection" and "painstaking" with "meticulous", implying precise attention to detail.

thorough investigation

Replaces "examination" with "investigation", suggesting a more formal and in-depth inquiry.

detailed analysis

Replaces "examination" with "analysis", focusing on the process of breaking down and understanding something complex.

careful scrutiny

Replaces "painstaking examination" with a similar expression emphasizing a cautious and thorough approach.

diligent assessment

Replaces "examination" with "assessment", indicating a more evaluative process. "Diligent" stresses the effort involved.

rigorous review

Replaces "examination" with "review", implying a formal evaluation process. "Rigorous" highlights the strictness and thoroughness.

exhaustive study

Replaces "examination" with "study", implying a deeper and more comprehensive exploration.

in-depth exploration

Suggests a comprehensive and profound investigation, suitable when examining complex or abstract subjects.

close observation

Focuses on the act of carefully watching and noticing details during the examination.

minute evaluation

Minute stresses the detailed nature of the evaluation, highlighting careful attention to every aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "painstaking examination" in a sentence?

You can use "painstaking examination" to describe a thorough and detailed analysis, such as "The detective conducted a "painstaking examination" of the crime scene for any overlooked clues."

What are some alternatives to "painstaking examination"?

Alternatives include "meticulous inspection", "thorough investigation", or "detailed analysis" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is "painstaking examination" formal or informal?

"Painstaking examination" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts. Simpler terms might be more appropriate for informal settings.

What distinguishes "painstaking examination" from a simple "examination"?

The word "painstaking" emphasizes the extensive effort, care, and attention to detail involved in the examination, suggesting a process that is both thorough and time-consuming, contrasting it to "simple examination".