self examination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "self examination" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of introspection or reflecting on one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Example: "Through self examination, she was able to identify the areas in her life that needed improvement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Though such a step would likely require more legislation, not just adequately rigorous self examination.

TechCrunch

They skip the essential self examination of strengths and weaknesses.

Huffington Post

("Self Examination" courtesy of Gallery House Ray Caesar).

Huffington Post

I go into a place of self examination.

Huffington Post

Las Vegas Nevada -- "Breast Cancer Awareness begins with self examination.

Huffington Post

(1) Do you perform breast self examination?

BMC Women's Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Democratic bouts of self-examination?

The New York Times

Without God, he turned to self-examination.

The Economist

"Self-examination was alien to them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Unitas wasn't much for self-examination.

The New York Times - Magazine

Not that this self-examination lasts long.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "self examination" with specific areas of focus, like "moral self examination" or "professional self examination", to add clarity and direction to the process.

Common error

Avoid excessive focus on "self examination" that leads to self-obsession or paralysis. Balance introspection with action and external engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "self examination" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. As seen in Ludwig, it denotes the act of introspectively analyzing oneself. Ludwig AI highlights that it is both correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

29%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "self examination" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that refers to the act of introspectively analyzing oneself. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and the examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its usage across various contexts, including news, science, and personal reflection. While not exceptionally frequent, the phrase is valuable for conveying a thoughtful and analytical approach to understanding oneself. Related phrases like "introspection" and "self-reflection" can provide alternative ways to express similar concepts, and being mindful of the potential for self-obsession is crucial when engaging in this process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

introspection

Focuses more on the internal, mental processes of examining one's own thoughts and feelings.

self-reflection

Emphasizes the reflective nature of examining one's self, often involving past experiences.

soul-searching

Implies a deep and often difficult process of examining one's values and beliefs.

critical self-analysis

Highlights the analytical and critical approach to examining oneself.

self-inquiry

Highlights the process of questioning and investigating one's own nature and motivations.

personal assessment

Focuses on evaluating one's strengths, weaknesses, and overall character.

honest self-appraisal

Emphasizes the importance of honesty and objectivity in evaluating oneself.

inner audit

Suggests a structured and thorough review of one's internal state.

moral inventory

Specifically refers to evaluating one's moral principles and actions.

contemplation

Suggests a thoughtful and prolonged consideration of oneself and one's place in the world.

FAQs

What does "self examination" mean?

"Self examination" refers to the act of looking critically and honestly at oneself, including one's thoughts, feelings, motives, and actions. It's a process of introspection and reflection aimed at gaining self-awareness and personal growth.

How can I use "self examination" in a sentence?

You can use "self examination" to describe the process of introspection. For example: "Through rigorous "introspection", she realized her biases" or "The project prompted a period of intense "self-reflection".".

What are some alternatives to "self examination"?

Alternatives include "introspection", "self-reflection", "soul-searching", and "self-analysis". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "self examination" and "self-criticism"?

"Self examination" is a neutral process of observing and understanding oneself, while "self-criticism" involves judging oneself harshly. "Self examination" aims for awareness and growth, whereas "self-criticism" often leads to negative feelings and decreased self-esteem.