quick examination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quick examination" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a brief or cursory review or analysis of something. Example: "After a quick examination of the report, I noticed several areas that needed improvement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

On a quick examination, the same is true for Spain.

The New York Times

But in their filing today, the defense lawyers objected to a quick examination.

The New York Times

A quick examination of his identity documents confirmed that he was a wanted man.

The New York Times

In a common application, X-rays are used for quick examination of the contents of airline baggage.

Britannica

This calculation is necessary for a quick examination of the compatibility of the PF scenario with engineering constraints.

Fusion Engineering and Design

Workers wearing rubber gloves pulled out the bodies one by one and laid them in a row on the lawn for a quick examination by a police pathologist.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Collect personal information about the evaluators through research, casual conversations, and quick examinations of the pictures, objects, and mementos in their offices.

Harvard Business Review

After quick examinations of some of the more successful accounts, it seems as though the IRA had a difficult time cracking into Reddit's communities.

TechCrunch

A lawyer for Enron said this week that the direction was meant to produce a quicker examination by Vinson & Elkins of Ms. Watkins's concerns.

The New York Times

A spiral CT differs from conventional CT in that it involves continuous motion of the patient through the machine, which results in a quicker examination and better visualisation of internal structures, such as blood vessels and tissues.

British Journal of Cancer

Even a sophisticated computer program is built for effectively evaluating the oral mucosa condition, a quick visual examination is still needed for understanding the general situation of the examined mucosa.

Biomedical Optics Express

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quick examination" when you want to convey that a review or assessment was performed rapidly and without extensive detail. It's suitable when a thorough analysis isn't necessary or feasible.

Common error

Avoid using "quick examination" when you actually mean a detailed or in-depth analysis. A "quick examination" implies a superficial assessment, so ensure your word choice accurately reflects the level of scrutiny.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quick examination" functions as a noun phrase, where "quick" modifies the noun "examination". It describes the type of examination being conducted. Ludwig examples show its use across varied domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quick examination" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a brief or superficial assessment. Ludwig confirms its usage across various domains, particularly in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to ensure the phrase aligns with the intended level of scrutiny, differentiating it from a more thorough "detailed analysis". Consider alternatives like "brief assessment" or "cursory review" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brief assessment

Replaces "examination" with a more general term for evaluation, while retaining the emphasis on speed.

cursory review

Highlights the superficial nature of the review, emphasizing its lack of thoroughness.

rapid inspection

Focuses on the speed of the inspection, suggesting a swift look.

swift check

Uses simpler terms to convey the idea of a fast verification or assessment.

hasty evaluation

Emphasizes the speed and potential lack of care in the evaluation process.

preliminary scan

Suggests an initial overview or scanning, done quickly before a more in-depth analysis.

superficial look

Directly describes the examination as not being deep or thorough.

fleeting glance

Emphasizes the very short duration of the examination.

light perusal

Implies a casual and not very detailed reading or examination.

once-over

An informal term suggesting a quick and comprehensive look.

FAQs

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

You can use "quick examination" to describe a brief assessment or review, such as, "After a "quick examination" of the data, we identified the key trends."

What are some alternatives to "quick examination"?

Consider using alternatives like "brief assessment", "cursory review", or "rapid inspection" depending on the context.

Is "quick examination" too informal for academic writing?

While "quick examination" is acceptable, more formal alternatives like "preliminary assessment" or "initial review" may be more suitable for academic contexts.

What's the difference between "quick examination" and "detailed analysis"?

"Quick examination" implies a superficial assessment, while "detailed analysis" refers to an in-depth, thorough evaluation. They represent opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of scrutiny.