physical examination

USAGE SUMMARY

"physical examination" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a medical examination (such as an annual checkup at the doctor's office) that typically includes a visual inspection and other tests. For example, "I went to the doctor for my annual physical examination last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No entrance fee, no physical examination.

The New Yorker

Organizers are doing a routine physical examination.

The New York Times

And it's true that a physical examination is often inaccurate.

The New York Times - Health

I introduced myself and performed a physical examination.

The New Yorker

At 7 a.m., he had a physical examination.

The New York Times - Sports

The cancer was found in a routine physical examination.

The New York Times

Catcher Joe Oliver took a physical examination yesterday.

The New York Times - Sports

And the physical examination has also been shortened.

The New York Times

Waived SS Terrence Carroll after failing physical examination.

The New York Times - Sports

Physical examination is always easier when you know the answer.

The New York Times - Health

The New Yorker, January 30 , 1943 P. 19Physical examination.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a general audience, consider using the more accessible term "medical check-up" instead of the more formal "physical examination".

Common error

Avoid using "physical examination" when you mean "physical activity" or exercise. "Physical examination" refers to a medical assessment, not physical exertion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "physical examination" functions primarily as a noun phrase, referring to a medical assessment of a patient's body. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, highlighting its presence in diverse contexts like news reports and scientific papers.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

39%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "physical examination" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes a medical assessment of a patient's body. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears commonly in science and news media, with a neutral to formal register. While "physical examination" is generally accepted, consider using alternatives like "medical check-up" for broader audiences or "clinical assessment" for more formal contexts. Avoid confusing it with similar terms like "physical activity". The phrase has high source quality and is an important term in medical and health-related discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comprehensive physical

Emphasizes the thoroughness of the examination.

annual physical

Refers specifically to a physical examination conducted once a year.

medical check-up

This is a more informal and general term for a physical examination.

general health exam

This is a more descriptive and less technical term for a routine physical examination.

routine check-up

Similar to medical check-up, but implies a scheduled and regular examination.

clinical assessment

This term is broader and can include psychological and cognitive evaluations in addition to physical ones.

medical evaluation

This term is similar to "clinical assessment" but emphasizes the medical aspect.

health screening

This refers to a specific type of physical examination focused on detecting potential health issues early on.

wellness exam

Focuses on preventative care and maintaining overall well-being.

diagnostic examination

This refers to a physical examination conducted to diagnose a specific condition.

FAQs

What is the purpose of a "physical examination"?

A "physical examination" is a comprehensive assessment conducted by a medical professional to evaluate a patient's overall health and detect any potential medical issues. It typically involves a visual inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation.

What can I expect during a "physical examination"?

During a "physical examination", a doctor will typically check your vital signs, examine your eyes, ears, nose, and throat, listen to your heart and lungs, palpate your abdomen, and assess your reflexes and neurological function. Additional tests may be performed based on your medical history and symptoms.

What is the difference between a "physical examination" and a "medical check-up"?

The terms "physical examination" and "medical check-up" are often used interchangeably. However, a "physical examination" is a more formal and detailed assessment, while a "medical check-up" can be a more general term for a routine medical visit.

When is a "physical examination" typically required?

A "physical examination" may be required for various reasons, such as school or sports participation, employment, insurance purposes, or as part of a routine healthcare visit. It is also important to seek a "clinical assessment" if you are experiencing any new or concerning symptoms.