scan down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scan down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the action of looking through text or a document by moving one's gaze downward to find specific information. Example: "To find the relevant data, please scan down the report until you reach the section on financial projections."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

The students' eyes hurriedly scan down their sheets of paper.

BBC

The new expanded view lets you scan down lots of items all at once.

TechCrunch

But then I scan down to the net worth statement and find nobody has any earned surplus, just capital surplus, the money raised on Wall Street years ago.

Forbes

I scan down to my torso, my legs, my feet.

Huffington Post

8. Close your eyes and scan your body -- Start with the top of your head and "scan" down, slowly checking in with your body.

Huffington Post

That means there's always another scan down the road.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

So I scanned down the newly published shortlist and, sure enough, final contender in the Best Live Action Short Film category was something called Wish 143.

The Guardian - Film

My older daughter had her school year's last "performance assembly" this morning, and while the children were lining up, I scanned down the row: parent after parent, including me and my husband, with smartphones in hand, skimming e-mails with our younger children milling about our chairs.

The New York Times

Scanning down to the bottom of the results page, I can find no clear reference to molecular vibrations.

Science Magazine

If you talk about yourself too much they may well 'switch off' and start scanning down the page.

Science Magazine

Finally, scanning down to its tenth position, we get Apple at 2.2% of the portfolio, but there's no Google in sight.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scan down" when you want to indicate a quick visual search for specific information within a document or list. For example, "Scan down the list to find your name."

Common error

Avoid using "scan down" when referring to the digital action of moving content on a screen. "Scroll down" is more appropriate in that context. "Scan down" typically implies a more active search with the eyes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scan down" functions as a phrasal verb, combining the action of scanning with the directional adverb "down". As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally used to describe the act of visually searching or examining something, typically a list or document, in a downward direction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "scan down" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe the act of visually searching or examining something in a downward direction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although "scroll down" should be used when referring to digital content. Predominantly found in News & Media, and occasionally in Science and Wiki sources, "scan down" offers a straightforward way to describe a quick visual search for specific details, as demonstrated in the provided examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scroll down

Focuses on the action of moving content vertically, often in a digital context.

look down

A more general term for directing one's gaze downward, lacking the specific context of reviewing text or data.

read through

Emphasizes the act of reading and comprehending, not just visually scanning.

go through

Implies a more thorough and detailed examination than simply scanning.

skim through

Suggests a quick and superficial reading, focusing on key points rather than comprehensive understanding.

check down

Highlights the act of verifying or confirming information in a downward direction.

review downward

A more formal alternative, emphasizing a deliberate and systematic examination.

browse down

Implies a casual and undirected exploration of information.

examine below

Focuses on examining content that is situated in a lower level or position.

inspect downwards

Highlights the visual examination from the top to the bottom.

FAQs

How can I use "scan down" in a sentence?

You can use "scan down" to describe the action of quickly looking through a list or document. For example, "I "scan down" the list of ingredients to see if we have everything".

What's the difference between "scan down" and "scroll down"?

"Scan down" refers to visually searching a document or list, while "scroll down" refers to the digital action of moving content on a screen. Use "scroll down" when referring to websites or apps, and "scan down" when referring to physical documents or lists.

What can I say instead of "scan down"?

Alternatives include "look down", "read through", or "skim through", depending on the context.

Is "scan down" formal or informal?

"Scan down" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, alternatives like "review" or "examine" might be more appropriate.