painstaking review

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "painstaking review" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a thorough and careful examination of something, often implying that a lot of effort and attention to detail has been put into the review process. Example: "The committee conducted a painstaking review of all the applications to ensure that every candidate was evaluated fairly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The painstaking review came to be seen as testament to Ghana's democratic maturity.

The Economist

In all of those, there was a very deliberate and painstaking review.

The New York Times

He said the information was provided by the office of the Police Ombudsman, Dr Michael Maguire, following the near conclusion of a "painstaking review of all available material".

Independent

"We're coming to terms with our past," Mr. Löscher said in a conference call with reporters, noting that the losses surfaced in a painstaking review.

The New York Times

In the case of reversing President Clinton's forest policy, which was made final this month, after years of painstaking review and public comment, Mr. Bush would face many legal restraints.

The New York Times

Mr. Brown said he had not decided whether to seek the death penalty for the men, John B. Taylor, 36, and Craig Godineaux, 30, and would need to do a "thorough and painstaking" review of the evidence.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

By all accounts, he conducts painstaking reviews to ensure that the targets pose genuine threats and the risks of collateral damage are low.

The New York Times

These alternatives will arise from painstaking reviews on the underlying reasons for each woman's death.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

Instead of a painstaking legal review, Mr. Rumsfeld based that authorization on a one-page memo from Mr. Haynes.

The New York Times

At the same time, a lengthy and painstaking antitrust review could be another tactic by Yahoo! to further delay Microsoft's efforts to acquire the company.

Forbes

But nothing beats painstaking inspection.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "painstaking review", ensure the context highlights the effort and meticulousness involved in the review process. This phrase is most effective when emphasizing the dedication and thoroughness of the examination.

Common error

Avoid using "painstaking review" in situations where a simple or quick assessment is sufficient. This phrase implies significant effort and detail, so reserve it for scenarios where such rigor is genuinely warranted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "painstaking review" functions as a noun phrase, where "painstaking" modifies the noun "review". It describes the type of review being conducted, emphasizing the care and effort involved. Ludwig shows numerous examples of its use in describing official investigations, reports and analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "painstaking review" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a thorough and meticulous examination. According to Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts, particularly in news and media, emphasizing the dedication and effort invested in the review process. While alternatives like "meticulous examination" and "thorough assessment" exist, "painstaking review" effectively communicates the depth and care involved. Remember to reserve this phrase for situations where such rigor is genuinely warranted to avoid overuse in casual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meticulous examination

Focuses more on the detail and precision of the review.

thorough assessment

Highlights the completeness and depth of the evaluation.

diligent investigation

Emphasizes the careful and persistent nature of the inquiry.

detailed analysis

Stresses the comprehensive nature of the analytical process.

careful scrutiny

Implies a close and critical observation.

rigorous inspection

Suggests a demanding and exacting examination.

exhaustive study

Highlights the comprehensive and complete nature of the research.

in-depth evaluation

Emphasizes the profound and thorough nature of the assessment.

comprehensive survey

Highlights the broad and inclusive scope of the review.

minute examination

Focuses on the extremely detailed and precise nature of the review.

FAQs

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

You can use "painstaking review" to describe a thorough and careful examination of something. For example: "The committee conducted a "painstaking review" of all the documents."

What are some alternatives to "painstaking review"?

Alternatives include "meticulous examination", "thorough assessment", or "diligent investigation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "painstaking review" formal or informal?

"Painstaking review" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for professional or academic contexts. Simpler terms might be preferred in very informal settings.

What distinguishes a "painstaking review" from a regular review?

A "painstaking review" implies a higher level of detail, care, and effort compared to a regular review. It suggests that the process was thorough and meticulous, leaving no stone unturned.