severe scrutiny

USAGE SUMMARY

"severe scrutiny" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where something is being closely examined or analyzed in a strict or critical manner. Example: The politician's financial records were subjected to severe scrutiny by the media and the public, revealing several instances of corruption.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

As a result of the DSK scandal, male French politicians can now expect severe scrutiny of their extra-marital affairs.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the News Corporation's bid has come under severe scrutiny from people who oppose further consolidation of media companies.

The New York Times

Until that point Tsipras had a sheen of success; over the past few weeks, though, his judgment and tactics have come under severe scrutiny.

The Guardian - Opinion

It would put the regulations under severe scrutiny and raise interesting questions about the effects that banned substances can potentially have on the outcome of a match.

The Guardian - Sport

However, Dr Obokata's painstaking research, now published in the journal Nature after unusually severe scrutiny by peer reviewers, appears to have proved Dr Vacanti right.

Independent

In a town where even a nip or a tuck can be subject to severe scrutiny — and some politics, naturally — the changes are no small matter.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

This is particularly problematic in the Catholic Church, since only a tiny proportion of its members, the bishops, have formal authority to undertake the policing task, and currently they are the ones under the severest scrutiny.

The New York Times

Nancy Koehn, a professor at the Harvard Business School, who has studied brands like Chanel and Louis Vuitton, said that the first few collections by the new designers are certain to come under severe media scrutiny, which could affect sales and investor confidence.

The New York Times

The announcement comes only months after a scathing New York Times story brought to light Amazon's hellish workplace culture and abhorrent treatment of its employees, putting the company under severe public scrutiny and triggering widespread backlash and condemnation.

Huffington Post

At a time of severe budget scrutiny, the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the proposed approach is apparent.

CBE Life Sciences Education

The severe deconstructivist scrutinies of legendary British noise/improv group AMM even shared 1997's broad programme.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "severe scrutiny", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being examined and why the examination is so rigorous. For example, "The company's environmental practices came under severe scrutiny after the oil spill."

Common error

Avoid using "severe scrutiny" in casual or informal writing. Opt for simpler terms like "close look" or "careful check" to maintain an appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe scrutiny" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "severe" modifies the noun "scrutiny". It describes a state of being subjected to intense and critical examination, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "severe scrutiny" is a commonly used phrase that indicates a close and critical examination. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent usage across diverse contexts, notably news and media. While versatile, it is best reserved for situations requiring a formal tone, as a more casual vocabulary may be appropriate otherwise. Remember that while there are many alternatives you can use in its place such as "intense examination", pay attention to the nuances of each phrase to best fit the communication objectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense examination

Emphasizes the depth and thoroughness of the examination process.

rigorous investigation

Highlights the strict and methodical nature of the investigation.

close inspection

Focuses on the detailed nature of the observation.

thorough review

Indicates a comprehensive and complete assessment.

critical analysis

Stresses the evaluative and judgmental aspect of the scrutiny.

strict assessment

Highlights the uncompromising nature of the evaluation.

searching inquiry

Emphasizes the probing and inquisitive nature of the examination.

detailed audit

Specific to financial or procedural examination.

exacting review

Focuses on the high standards and precision of the review process.

probing investigation

Highlights the depth and intrusiveness of the investigation.

FAQs

How can I use "severe scrutiny" in a sentence?

You can use "severe scrutiny" to describe a situation where something is being closely and critically examined. For example, "The government's spending plans are under "severe scrutiny" due to the budget deficit."

What's a good alternative to "severe scrutiny"?

Alternatives include "intense examination", "rigorous investigation", or "close inspection", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "severe scrutiny" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "severe scrutiny" is more suited for formal contexts. In informal writing, consider using phrases like "close look" or "careful check".

What distinguishes "severe scrutiny" from "strict scrutiny"?

"Severe scrutiny" generally implies a rigorous and critical examination, while "strict scrutiny" often refers to a specific legal standard of review. Both indicate a high level of examination, but strict scrutiny has a more defined legal connotation.