scrutinize

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "scrutinize" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe examining something closely or thoroughly. For example: The detective scrutinized the crime scene for clues.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As coverage of the Tour has gone up over the past decades, caddies have increasingly become part of the sport's storylines, fodder for the analysts on the Golf Channel to scrutinize and debate.

The Guardian - Sport

But by then, local election workers had had a reason to carefully scrutinize the forms and uncovered the fraud.

The Economist

Late 17th-century examples of light verse include Samuel Butler's Hudibras (1663), which satirized the English Puritans, and the Fables (1668, 1678 79, 1692 94) of Jean de La Fontaine, which create a comprehensive picture of society and minutely scrutinize its behaviour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Jealous obsession moves the protagonist of Before She Met Me (1982) to scrutinize his new wife's past.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the 20th century anatomists tended to scrutinize tinier and tinier units of structure as new technologies enabled them to discern details far beyond the limits of resolution of light microscopes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In France each department has a comparable consultative body, but its work is broader in scope in that it can scrutinize recruitment, personnel records, promotions, and disciplinary procedures.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, the sentiment slowly grew that the English crown was abusing its authority to grant such rights, and the Privy Council and then the common-law courts began to scrutinize patents more carefully.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They thus knew roughly when to scrutinize the Sun.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia established before the massacre to scrutinize ongoing military conduct concluded that the killings at Srebrenica, compounded by the mass expulsion of Bosniak civilians, amounted to genocide.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In fact, anyone judging the overall reliability of a survey will scrutinize a number of factors.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Gottwald also was put under pressure to uncover ideological opponents in the Czechoslovak Communist Party, which Soviet advisers now began to scrutinize.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scrutinize", ensure that the object of scrutiny is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "They will scrutinize," specify "They will scrutinize the report".

Common error

Avoid using "scrutinize" in very informal conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "check" or "look at" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "scrutinize" is as a verb, denoting the action of examining something closely and critically. Ludwig AI confirms that it describes a deliberate and thorough investigation. For example, "They scrutinize every detail."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scrutinize" is a grammatically correct and very common verb used to describe the act of examining something closely and critically. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science sources, indicating a formal register. When using "scrutinize", ensure clarity in what is being examined and avoid overuse in informal settings. Consider alternatives like "examine closely", "inspect meticulously", or "analyze in detail" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Examine closely

Focuses on the act of examination, emphasizing the detail involved.

Inspect meticulously

Emphasizes thoroughness and precision in the inspection process.

Analyze in detail

Highlights the analytical aspect of the examination.

Investigate thoroughly

Implies a more formal or official inquiry.

Assess carefully

Focuses on evaluating something with attention to detail.

Probe deeply

Suggests a more investigative and penetrating examination.

Review meticulously

Implies a systematic and detailed re-examination.

Check thoroughly

Emphasizes completeness and diligence in verification.

Vet carefully

Implies a process of screening and approval based on careful examination.

Delve into

Suggests an in-depth exploration and examination of a topic.

FAQs

How can I use "scrutinize" in a sentence?

Use "scrutinize" to describe examining something carefully and critically. For example, "The auditor will "examine closely" the financial records."

What's the difference between "scrutinize" and "examine"?

"Scrutinize" implies a more thorough and critical examination than "examine". While "examine" suggests a general inspection, "scrutinize" suggests a detailed and often critical assessment. You can use alternatives like "analyze in detail".

What are some synonyms for "scrutinize"?

Synonyms for "scrutinize" include "inspect meticulously", "investigate thoroughly", and "assess carefully". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "scrutinize"?

It is appropriate to use "scrutinize" when you want to emphasize the careful and critical nature of an examination, often in formal or professional settings. Consider using less formal alternatives if the context is casual. For example, "check thoroughly" might be more appropriate.