scrutinize something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scrutinize something" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to indicate a careful and detailed examination of something. Example: "The committee will scrutinize the proposal before making a decision." Alternative expressions include "examine closely" and "analyze thoroughly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

When you scrutinize something so much, it's easy to scrap it because you've fallen out of love with it after seeing it all the time.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"That would be an area that could be scrutinized because something like that can be abused," said Rob Seltzer, an accountant in Beverly Hills, Calif.

The New York Times

Security experts are also encouraging food companies to more closely scrutinize their work forces, something they have not always been willing to do.

The New York Times

Always scrutinize what you read like something under a microscope.

WikiHow

These days, Major League Baseball's executives prefer to scrutinize all new team owners closely, something they could not do for shares sold to thousands of fans.

The New York Times

After a year on it, her students were twice as likely to scrutinize hard data than to guess, something they did quite frequently at first.

Forbes

I observe, scrutinize, dissect my old age -- something I never did at any other age.

Huffington Post

The squeeze will force charity boards of trustees to closely scrutinize overhead as well as management compensation, something they have not always done below the CEO level.

Forbes

But when a clerk for one of the judges scrutinized Martoma's transcript, something looked off, and the clerk got in touch with the registrar at Harvard.

The New Yorker

Peek, watch, or scrutinize.

The New Yorker

Certainly Congress should scrutinize them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scrutinize something", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being examined and why. This adds clarity and purpose to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "scrutinize something" in overly casual or informal settings. Simpler terms like "look at" or "check" may be more appropriate for everyday conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scrutinize something" functions as a verb phrase, where "scrutinize" is a transitive verb requiring a direct object. It describes the action of carefully and critically examining the direct object.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scrutinize something" is a grammatically sound phrase that signifies a careful and critical examination. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's considered correct and finds frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's best suited for situations where a thorough and detailed inspection is intended. For more casual settings, consider simpler alternatives. The phrase enjoys a neutral to formal register, fitting well in professional or academic discussions. To enhance clarity, ensure the object being scrutinized is clearly defined within your writing. "Scrutinize something" is a valuable phrase in your linguistic toolkit, useful when precision and thoroughness are paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scrutinize an item

Replaces "something" with a more specific term.

closely examine something

Reorders the phrase for a slightly different emphasis.

examine something closely

Focuses on the act of examining with careful attention to detail.

analyze something in detail

Emphasizes a thorough and systematic analysis.

investigate something thoroughly

Suggests a more formal and structured inquiry.

inspect something carefully

Implies a close and critical observation for flaws or issues.

pore over something

Indicates a dedicated and often prolonged examination.

delve into something

Highlights a deep and comprehensive exploration.

probe something deeply

Suggests an intense and thorough investigation to uncover hidden aspects.

assess something meticulously

Emphasizes the precision and rigor of the evaluation.

FAQs

How can I use "scrutinize something" in a sentence?

You can use "scrutinize something" to describe carefully examining something. For example, "The auditor will scrutinize the financial records".

What are some alternatives to "scrutinize something"?

Some alternatives to "scrutinize something" include "examine something closely", "analyze something in detail", or "investigate something thoroughly".

Is "scrutinize something" formal or informal?

"Scrutinize something" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for professional, academic, or news-related contexts.

Which is correct: "scrutinize something" or "scrutinize of something"?

"Scrutinize something" is the correct form. The verb "scrutinize" directly takes the object of examination without the preposition "of".