scan over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scan over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to quickly looking through or reviewing something, such as a document or text, to get a general idea or to find specific information. Example: "Before the meeting, I will scan over the report to familiarize myself with the key points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

A naïve scan over the proactionary principle suggests little to disagree with.

The Guardian

Maybe it was the hour I wasted trying to get my printer to complete a scan over the wireless network.

The New York Times

A quick scan over that section reveals 41 items on everything from rugby to American football but not one about women's sport.

The Guardian

Only then does she add the colour, drawing in the details such as villages, roads and woods before handing the scan over to her brother.

Independent

For me, a formal tone doesn't work; my eyes just scan over it and I lose interest in the application quickly: Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to apply for the researcher position you have advertised.

The Guardian

A quick scan over a preview of the new site confirms this to be true.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

It can scan over-the-counter pharmaceutical pills.

TechCrunch

The researchers reviewed MRI scans collected over 20 years from 876 individuals enrolled in the Cardiovascular Health Study.

Huffington Post

While scanning over the Defense Department's press release for these campaign stars, my Orwellian Bone tingled.

The New York Times

First, a beam of laser light from a sensor called a laser-Doppler vibrometer is scanned over the ground.

The New York Times

This system was easily to apply C-scan over sample surfaces.

Ultrasonics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scan over" when you want to convey a quick but thorough examination of something, whether it's a document, a landscape, or data. Be mindful of the context to ensure it fits the level of detail you want to express.

Common error

Avoid using "scan over" excessively in formal or academic writing where a more precise verb like "analyze", "review", or "examine" might be more appropriate. The informal nature of "scan over" can sometimes undermine the seriousness of the content.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "scan over" functions primarily as a verb of perception and action. It describes the act of quickly looking at something, either physically or digitally. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from reviewing documents to observing landscapes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

36%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "scan over" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the act of quickly examining something for key information. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility across various contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal settings, as more formal scenarios might benefit from more precise verbs. Common alternatives include "glance over" and "skim through". The phrase is prevalent in News & Media and Science contexts, making it a valuable addition to your vocabulary for efficient communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

glance over

Focuses on a quick and superficial look.

skim through

Implies reading quickly, focusing on main points.

browse through

Suggests a casual and less structured examination.

look through

Indicates a general examination, often less focused.

check over

Emphasizes verifying or inspecting for errors or completeness.

peruse

A more formal term for reading or examining carefully.

run through

Implies a quick practice or rehearsal.

go over

Suggests a review or repetition, often for understanding.

read through

Indicates reading from beginning to end, but not necessarily in detail.

vet

Implies a thorough investigation or assessment.

FAQs

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

You can use "scan over" to describe quickly looking through something. For example, "I need to "scan over" the report before the meeting" or "She "scanned over" the landscape, searching for any signs of movement".

What's a good alternative to "scan over"?

Depending on the context, you could use "glance over", "skim through", or "look through" as alternatives to "scan over".

Is "scan over" appropriate for formal writing?

While "scan over" is a perfectly acceptable phrase, in formal writing, more precise terms such as "review", "examine", or "analyze" might be preferred to maintain a higher level of formality.

What is the difference between "scan over" and "read carefully"?

"Scan over" implies a quick and less detailed examination, while "read carefully" suggests a thorough and attentive reading. If you "scan over" something, you're likely looking for key points or a general overview, whereas if you read it carefully, you're trying to understand all the details.