scanned through

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scanned through" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that you read or "scanned" something quickly or lightly. For example, "I quickly scanned through the article to find the key points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He opened up the customer's survey answers and scanned through.

The New York Times - Magazine

Scanned through a dozen or so order books of the eighteen-eighties and nineties.

The New Yorker

I have just scanned through a description of your traumatic experience of giving birth.

The Guardian

A candidate is then "properly scanned through different intelligence agencies to verify his character," he said.

The New York Times

Text and interfaces were scanned through quickly, and they flipped through sites quickly, back and forth.

Stanford University

Melancholically, I scanned through a site I rarely go to because it's fee-free and full of legover merchants.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She found a local library with Internet access, signed up for a time slot, and scanned through several hundred messages.

The New York Times

Those registered on the database will have their employment histories checked and their details scanned through police and other records.

The Guardian

Researchers scanned through the nearly seven thousand genomes to find variations in gene segments that were correlated with schizophrenia.

The New Yorker

Error quantification was implemented through simultaneously tracking a target scanned through a sub-volume (27 m3) using both systems.

Measurement

Each product attached with RFID tag and scanned through RFID reader and ESP8266 at each phase of supply chain management.

Future Generation Computer Systems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scanned through" when you want to convey the idea of a quick and not very detailed review of something. It's suitable for situations where time is limited or when only a general understanding is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "scanned through" when you actually performed a detailed analysis. This phrase implies a quick overview, not an in-depth examination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scanned through" functions as a phrasal verb, where "scanned" is the verb and "through" is the preposition. According to Ludwig, it describes the action of reading or looking at something quickly and superficially.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

36%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scanned through" is a commonly used phrasal verb indicating a quick and superficial examination of something. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While suitable for most situations, it's essential to ensure the level of detail implied by this phrase aligns with the intended message and avoid using it when a more thorough analysis has been performed. Consider alternatives like "skimmed through" or "glanced over" for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skimmed through

Replaces "scanned" with "skimmed", emphasizing a very light and rapid reading.

glanced over

Focuses on a brief look, suggesting even less detail than "scanned through".

looked through quickly

Breaks down the action into its components, highlighting the speed of the review.

ran through

Implies a fast but possibly more thorough review than "scanned through".

browsed through

Suggests a casual exploration, often without a specific goal.

flicked through

Indicates a rapid and superficial examination, often of physical pages.

skirted over

Emphasizes avoiding depth or detail, possibly because of time constraints.

zipping through

Highlights the high speed of the action.

perused swiftly

More formal alternative, still conveying quick examination.

inspected cursorily

Indicates a superficial inspection, emphasizing a lack of thoroughness.

FAQs

How can I use "scanned through" in a sentence?

You can use "scanned through" to describe a quick and cursory examination of something. For example, "I "scanned through" the report before the meeting".

What's a good alternative to "scanned through"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives such as "skimmed through", "glanced over", or "looked through quickly".

Is "scanned through" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "scanned through" can sound informal. In formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "reviewed briefly" or "examined quickly".

What is the difference between "scanned through" and "studied in detail"?

"Scanned through" implies a quick, superficial look, while "studied in detail" suggests a thorough, in-depth analysis. They are contrasting actions regarding the level of scrutiny involved.