scrutinize that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scrutinize that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to examine or inspect something closely and critically. Example: "Before we proceed with the project, I need you to scrutinize that report for any errors or inconsistencies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

She said investigators would scrutinize that approval process to see if it had been done properly.

The New York Times

These events are usually spoken of as "collapses," but Scott invites us to scrutinize that term, too.

The New Yorker

You scrutinize that voice, make adjustments to your proximity to the microphone, switching between "head voice" and "chest voice".

The New York Times

This distanced vantage robs the curious of a chance to scrutinize that famous face, to unkindly survey the damage, but it also gives you the space to admire his liquid moves as he slips and slides and glides.

The New York Times

Other Congressional leaders of both parties said they still wanted to scrutinize that section of the bill closely but were generally supportive of the proposal and said they would work together to see it passed.

The New York Times

"If I'm seeing several states that have a lot of TANF money and are not spending that, I'm going to scrutinize that, particularly if other states are clamoring," said Russell Sykes, vice president of the Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy, a private nonprofit group in Albany.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Scrutinizing that Judy Garland war horse, "The Man That Got Away," she found chaos and terror in lines like "The road gets rougher/It's lonelier and tougher".

The New York Times - Arts

So minutely has that insect, the Drosophila fruit fly, been scrutinized that every bristle on its tiny head has a scientific name.

The New York Times - Science

Hearings take so long — hundreds of hours — and so many details are scrutinized that it might be enough to put someone to sleep.

The New York Times

All of this is hindsight, of course, the kind of uncharitable, after-the-fact scrutinizing that might be done of any leader in a crisis.

The New York Times - Magazine

Patterson was chairman of the J. Walter Thompson ad agency for six years, and you can just see him scrutinizing that old couple in their flannel pajamas: how do I reach both of them?

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scrutinize that", ensure the context makes it clear what "that" refers to. Avoid ambiguity by being specific about the object or information being scrutinized.

Common error

While "scrutinize that" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or academic in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "check that out" or "look at that" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scrutinize that" functions as a directive, urging someone to perform a detailed and critical examination of something specific. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts requiring careful evaluation, such as legal documents or research findings.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scrutinize that" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that directs someone to carefully and critically examine something. While not overly common, Ludwig examples demonstrate usage in News & Media and Scientific contexts. It's important to consider the level of formality when using this phrase; simpler alternatives might be more appropriate for casual situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to ensure a meticulous review of the specific subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

examine that closely

Emphasizes the act of examining with added intensity.

investigate that thoroughly

Suggests a more formal and in-depth inquiry.

analyze that in detail

Focuses on breaking down the subject into smaller components for review.

review that carefully

Implies a more measured and cautious approach to the examination.

inspect that meticulously

Highlights the precision and attention to detail of the review.

assess that critically

Emphasizes forming a judgement based on analysis.

evaluate that rigorously

Stresses the thoroughness and strictness of the assessment.

study that intensely

Suggests focused and concentrated effort on the matter.

check that over

Represents a more casual expression for examining something.

give that a fine-tooth comb

An idiomatic way of saying "examine very carefully".

FAQs

What does "scrutinize that" mean?

To "scrutinize that" means to examine something closely and carefully, often to discover flaws or errors. It implies a detailed and critical review.

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

You can use "scrutinize that" to urge someone to carefully examine something, for example: "Before signing the contract, please "scrutinize that" clause carefully."

What are some alternatives to "scrutinize that"?

Alternatives include phrases like "examine that closely", "investigate that thoroughly", or "review that carefully", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "scrutinize that" or "scrutinize it"?

Both are grammatically correct. "Scrutinize that" is used when 'that' refers to something already mentioned or easily identifiable, while "scrutinize it" is more general.