scanned over

USAGE SUMMARY

"Scanned over" is not standard usage in written English. It can be used informally to imply a quick review or glance at something. Example: "I scanned over the report before the meeting." Alternative expressions include "looked over," "glanced at," and "reviewed."

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For diffuse reflectance measurements, the samples were scanned over the range 800 to 240 nm.

Nature

The PFM tip is scanned over a selected area to pattern the desired domains.

Nature

In order to cover the four tubes, we scanned over 5 cm in 50 s.

Nature

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

The New York Times

By adjusting the spacing between the two mirrors, the instrument can be scanned over the spectral range of interest.

Britannica

As the tip is scanned over the surface of the specimen a localized impedance characteristics of the material is obtained.

Electrochimica Acta

For thin laminates, the structural aspect is usually scanned over and only the material aspect is focused on.

Composite Structures

The path length difference can be scanned over 0.1 mm, which corresponds to a resolution of 12 meV.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

The beam was focused to about 1 μm and was scanned over the surface of high-purity silica glass with fluences of 1013 to 1018 ions/cm2.

Surface and Coatings Technology

To simulate a transition, we therefore restricted the amount of nitrogen available to the plant and scanned over a range of different ammonium vs nitrate compositions.

Nature

In the SLS technique, ultrasound is generated using a pulsed YAG Nd laser that is scanned over the structure to be inspected.

Composites Part B: Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scanned over" when you want to convey a sense of quick or superficial examination, especially when referring to instruments, data, or surfaces. It's useful for emphasizing the action of moving across something rather than a deep analysis.

Common error

While "scanned over" is suitable for quick reviews, avoid it when describing thorough or in-depth examinations. For detailed analysis, use phrases like "analyzed extensively" or "investigated comprehensively" to reflect the depth of the process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scanned over" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action performed upon something. This action can involve a quick review, a superficial examination, or the movement of a device or instrument across a surface. According to Ludwig, this is acceptable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "scanned over" is a common and generally acceptable way to describe a quick examination, review, or movement across a surface. It is frequently encountered in scientific and technical writing but also appears in news and media. While not always the most formal or precise option, it effectively conveys a sense of rapid action. According to Ludwig, the phrase is acceptable and the multiple examples here proves it. For more in-depth analysis, consider alternative phrases like "looked over" or "examined briefly". When using "scanned over", be sure the context aligns with a quick or superficial process rather than a deep dive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

looked over

Implies a brief examination or review, often of a document or piece of writing; less technical.

glanced at

Suggests a very quick and often casual look, emphasizing the speed of the action.

reviewed quickly

Highlights the act of reviewing but emphasizes the speed with which it was done.

swept across

Focuses on the movement across a surface, suitable for describing beams or instruments.

passed over

Implies movement across something without stopping or focusing on details.

read through

Refers specifically to reading, but with an emphasis on covering the entire text.

skimmed through

Implies reading quickly and superficially, focusing on main points rather than details.

examined briefly

Highlights the act of examination, emphasizing the brevity of the process.

ran through

Suggests a quick rehearsal or overview, often used in the context of processes or lists.

surveyed rapidly

Highlights a comprehensive but quick overview of something, such as a landscape or data set.

FAQs

What does "scanned over" mean?

"Scanned over" means to quickly examine or review something, or to move across a surface with a sensor or instrument. It implies a superficial or rapid action.

What can I say instead of "scanned over"?

You can use alternatives like "looked over", "glanced at", or "reviewed quickly" depending on the context.

Is "scanned over" formal or informal?

"Scanned over" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. While acceptable in many contexts, more formal writing may benefit from more precise alternatives like "examined briefly" or "surveyed rapidly".

How to use "scanned over" in a scientific context?

In scientific writing, "scanned over" typically refers to instruments or beams moving across a surface or range. For example, "The laser beam was scanned over the sample surface." or "The mass spectrometer was scanned over an m/z range".