serious examination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious examination" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a thorough and careful analysis or assessment of a subject or issue. Example: "The committee conducted a serious examination of the proposed policy changes before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Those beliefs now deserve some serious examination, though.

The Guardian

The heart of the book is Pratchett's serious examination of the roots and utility of religion.

The New York Times - Books

Joni Mitchell's 1971 album, "Blue," is long overdue for serious examination.

The New York Times - Books

And anything in poetry was worth a deliciously playful and serious examination.

The Guardian - Books

It's also a surprisingly serious examination of the nature of faith.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It has also justified more serious examination of subjects like orgasms and kinky sex.

The New York Times

"Salt" is a studio cloak-and-dagger thriller, "Countdown" a serious examination of rogue nukes.

The New York Times

But one senior official said the "negative blowback" forced a more serious examination.

The New York Times

Whatever you think of his conclusions, Lord Justice Leveson's inquiry was a painstaking and serious examination of the press.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Guardian's editorial on Friday calls for a serious examination and overhaul of Britain's defence – and not before time.

The Guardian - Opinion

This merits serious examination from government, with an official measure of agency workers being a good place to start".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serious examination", ensure the context clarifies what is being examined and why it warrants such scrutiny. For instance, "The proposal requires a "serious examination" before implementation."

Common error

Avoid using "serious examination" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler phrases like "look into" or "check out" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious examination" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "serious" modifies the noun "examination". It denotes a thorough and careful analysis or assessment. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "serious examination" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase that signifies a thorough and careful analysis. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness and applicability across numerous contexts. It's most common in news, business, and academic settings, highlighting the importance of rigor and depth in assessment. While widely accepted, remember to avoid its overuse in informal situations, opting for simpler alternatives when appropriate. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "serious examination" into your writing to convey the necessary level of importance and scrutiny.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thorough investigation

Emphasizes the depth and completeness of the inquiry.

in-depth analysis

Highlights the detailed and analytical nature of the assessment.

careful scrutiny

Focuses on the meticulous and attentive observation.

rigorous assessment

Stresses the strict and demanding nature of the evaluation.

detailed review

Highlights the comprehensive and meticulous nature of the assessment.

comprehensive study

Emphasizes the breadth and scope of the investigation.

critical evaluation

Focuses on the judgmental and analytical aspect of the assessment.

close inspection

Highlights the detailed and careful observation of something.

probing inquiry

Stresses the depth and exploratory nature of the investigation.

intensive study

Emphasizes the focused and dedicated effort put into the analysis.

FAQs

What does "serious examination" mean?

A "serious examination" refers to a thorough, careful, and often critical analysis or investigation of something.

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

You might say, "The issue warrants a "serious examination" before any decisions are made" or "The committee will conduct a "serious examination" of the evidence".

What are some alternatives to "serious examination"?

Alternatives include "thorough investigation", "in-depth analysis", and "careful scrutiny", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "serious examination" instead of a simpler phrase like "look into"?

"Serious examination" is more appropriate in formal or professional contexts when emphasizing the depth and importance of the analysis. "Look into" is suitable for less formal situations.