scrutiny

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'scrutiny' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a careful and thorough examination, or to refer to being observed or judged by others. For example: "The applicant was subjected to intense scrutiny as part of the selection process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The vast majority of these decisions face no public scrutiny, though they shape public discourse.

The Guardian - Tech

Even the most seemingly charitable acts have come under scrutiny.

The Guardian

The future of UK government hopes to use local landfill sites to dispose of huge quantities of low-level nuclear waste will come under scrutiny today with the opening of a planning inquiry into the first such case.

The Guardian

You say that you respect Parliament, that you answered more questions than your predecessors and that you are the first Prime Minister to appear before a select committee, but in other ways you seem thoroughly hostile to the idea of scrutiny by elected representatives.

The Guardian - Opinion

The case has reached the nation's highest court at a time when US police use of force is under sharp scrutiny.

The Guardian

Suspicion is growing that the establishment, including 'securocrats' who want to be free to bug and tap without scrutiny, are intimidating journalists in the hope of evading public accountability.

The Guardian

I mean properly foreign, unlike Martin O'Neill and Tony Pulis, for example, whose sides are allowed to serve comparatively dismal week in and week out without their managers ever being subjected to any kind of media scrutiny that invariably prompts fans to get their radge on.

The Guardian - Sport

Conte's rotation policy has come under scrutiny, with Andrea Pirlo substituted twice already this season and seeming to react badly to it – heading straight down the tunnel after being withdrawn against Verona.

The Guardian - Sport

Eight pages of legal warnings attached to the interim results showed the bank would be subjected to additional scrutiny by the US authorities for another year as the department of justice was extending the two-year non-prosecution agreement (NPA) put in place at the time of its £290m Libor-rigging fine in June 2012.

The Guardian - Business

After all, looking at this from the outside, it is in these layers that messages and scrutiny appear to have gone missing.

The Guardian

Guidelines released today by the government body hope to clarify what exactly is expected from teachers to ease the pain of scrutiny.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "scrutiny" with adjectives like "intense", "rigorous", or "close" to emphasize the degree of examination.

Common error

Avoid using "scrutiny" without specifying what is being scrutinized. A vague application diminishes the term's impact. Instead of saying "The project faced scrutiny", specify "The project faced scrutiny regarding its budget allocation".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "scrutiny" is as a noun, referring to the act of carefully examining something. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use as a subject or object, often modified by adjectives to indicate the intensity or focus of the examination.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

12%

Sport

8%

Less common in

Opinion

6%

Tech

4%

Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scrutiny" is a commonly used noun that signifies a detailed and critical examination. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and versatility, appearing frequently in news and media, business, and sports contexts. When employing "scrutiny", ensure that the subject of the examination is clearly defined. Alternatives such as "close examination" or "thorough inspection" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to specify what is being scrutinized to avoid vagueness and enhance the term's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close examination

Focuses on the detailed aspect of the inspection.

thorough inspection

Emphasizes the completeness and rigor of the investigation.

detailed analysis

Highlights the analytical aspect of the examination.

critical assessment

Suggests a judgment-oriented evaluation.

careful investigation

Stresses the caution and diligence involved.

rigorous review

Emphasizes the strict and demanding nature of the evaluation.

intense examination

Highlights the depth and focus of the inspection.

in-depth study

Implies a comprehensive and profound exploration.

close watch

Suggests continuous observation and monitoring.

critical eye

Highlights a discerning and judgmental perspective.

FAQs

How to use "scrutiny" in a sentence?

You can use "scrutiny" to describe a detailed and critical examination. For example, "The company's financial records are under intense scrutiny" or "The new policy will face public scrutiny".

What can I say instead of "scrutiny"?

You can use alternatives like "close examination", "thorough inspection", or "detailed analysis" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "scrutiny" or "inspection"?

"Scrutiny" and "inspection" are similar, but "scrutiny" often implies a more critical and in-depth examination. Use "scrutiny" when the examination involves judgment or assessment, and "inspection" for a more general review.

What's the difference between "scrutiny" and "oversight"?

"Scrutiny" involves a focused and detailed examination of something, while "oversight" implies a broader responsibility for monitoring and supervising activities or processes.