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 evaluating one's own thoughts, feelings, or behaviors. Example: "Through self-examination, she was able to identify the root causes of her anxiety and work towards overcoming them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Democratic bouts of self-examination?

The New York Times

Without God, he turned to self-examination.

The Economist

Nor does it love self-examination.

The Guardian - Opinion

"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

But such self-examination wasn't fashionable.

The Guardian

The fashion for self-examination appals her.

The Guardian - Books

So I rely, here, on some degree of self-examination.

The Guardian - Books

Some other countries are better at this self-examination.

The Guardian - Opinion

Essays on pain, both physical and emotional, and self-examination.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "self-examination" when referring to a deliberate and thoughtful process of introspection to gain a deeper understanding of oneself. It is particularly appropriate when discussing psychological, moral, or professional development.

Common error

Avoid using "self-examination" as a synonym for self-doubt. While "self-examination" involves critical reflection, it should lead to understanding and improvement, not necessarily to questioning one's abilities or worth. If the context implies questioning rather than understanding, consider using a phrase like self-doubt or insecurity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "self-examination" is a noun, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of examining oneself, as seen in Ludwig's examples such as "Nor does it love "self-examination"" or "The key to the process is "self-examination"."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Books

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Self-examination" is a noun phrase referring to the process of introspection and self-assessment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its function is primarily to describe the act of looking inward, and its purpose is to convey the idea of analyzing one's own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors for understanding or improvement. The register tends to be neutral to formal. Common contexts include News & Media, Books, and Academia. Related phrases include "introspection", "self-reflection", and "soul-searching". When using "self-examination", focus on its deliberate and thoughtful nature and avoid confusing it with self-doubt. The phrase is used to highlight the act of looking inward and is used in examples like 'The key to the process is "self-examination"'.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

introspection

This term emphasizes a deep, often psychological, exploration of one's own thoughts and feelings.

self-reflection

This phrase highlights a conscious process of thinking deeply about one's actions and motives.

inner reflection

This highlights the internal nature of the reflective process.

self-analysis

Similar to introspection, this suggests a more structured and analytical approach to understanding oneself.

soul-searching

This implies a more profound and emotional self-assessment, often during a time of crisis or decision.

looking inward

This is a more metaphorical way of describing the act of focusing on one's internal thoughts and feelings.

contemplation

This emphasizes a thoughtful and often spiritual consideration of oneself and one's place in the world.

critical self-assessment

This phrase emphasizes a rigorous and potentially critical evaluation of one's own performance or behavior.

examining one's conscience

This phrase implies a moral dimension to the self-assessment, focusing on one's ethical conduct.

personal assessment

This phrase is more formal and suggests an evaluation of one's skills, qualities, or performance.

FAQs

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

"Self-examination" is used to describe the act of looking inward and reflecting on one's thoughts, feelings, and actions. For example: "Through regular "introspection" and "self-examination", she gained a better understanding of her motivations."

What are some alternatives to "self-examination"?

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

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

While both terms involve looking inward, "self-examination" often implies a more structured or critical assessment, whereas "self-reflection" can be a more general and contemplative process. "Self-examination" suggests a more active investigation, while self-reflection can be more passive and observational.

When is it appropriate to use "self-examination"?

Use "self-examination" when you want to emphasize a deliberate and thoughtful process of introspection aimed at gaining deeper insight or understanding. It's appropriate in contexts related to personal growth, ethical considerations, or professional development. In situations where the introspection is not necessarily active or structured, consider "introspection" or "self-reflection".