spot irregularities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spot irregularities" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of identifying or noticing inconsistencies or anomalies in data, behavior, or physical objects. Example: "During the audit, the team was able to spot irregularities in the financial records that required further investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Equipped with a user-friendly manual written by Hanlon, their reporters learned to spot irregularities, to identify sources (although CIP may protect their identity), check facts and ignore rumour.

The Guardian

State auditors turned up at one of its offices twice to sweat over its books, trying to spot irregularities; British and Australian campaigners were turned away from Indian airports after landing with valid visas; three separate tax notices claim it is millions of rupees in arrears.

The Guardian

Watch List A list of securities singled out for special surveillance by a brokerage firm, exchange, or other regulatory body in order to spot irregularities.

Forbes

It can give you the opportunity to spot irregularities and adjust your budget well in advance of year-end.

Huffington Post

Today it boasts having trainees in 35 states, people who'll spot "irregularities" and chalk them up as "fraud" and then use that tally to justify new voting restrictions.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Ms. Haas said internal auditors spotted irregularities in the bank's operations in February.

The New York Times

There was a first hint when Hudgell nipped in to sign Paul Cooke, who had scored FC's match-winning try in Cardiff, without paying a transfer fee, having spotted irregularities in his contract.

The Guardian - Sport

Successful actions have been brought by professors, analysts, reporters, industry competitors and other sophisticated observers who spotted irregularities and misleading information.

TechCrunch

A team of physios watch from the sidelines, primed to spot any irregularity in their movements, ready to take action.

The Guardian - Sport

A firm's relationship with its auditors is, after all, a curious one: it pays the fees of the institution with the prime responsibility, in the first instance, for spotting any irregularities.

The Economist

Datek has been working to amend its practices since last June, when the SEC first spotted the irregularities.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about audits or investigations, use "spot irregularities" to convey a sense of vigilance and attention to detail in identifying anomalies.

Common error

Avoid using "spot irregularities" in informal conversations or casual writing, as it can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler phrases like "notice something wrong" or "see a problem" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spot irregularities" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of identifying inconsistencies or anomalies. It suggests a process of observation and recognition. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, supported by examples across news, science, and business domains.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

5%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "spot irregularities" serves to describe the act of noticing or identifying anomalies, errors, or inconsistencies. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, including news, science, and business. While alternatives like "detect anomalies" or "identify discrepancies" exist, "spot irregularities" carries a specific connotation of vigilance and keen observation. It's crucial to tailor the phrase's usage to the appropriate level of formality, avoiding it in overly casual settings. Although it is not very frequent it is well documented in authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detect anomalies

Focuses on identifying deviations from the norm, using a more technical term.

identify discrepancies

Emphasizes recognizing differences or inconsistencies between pieces of information.

notice inconsistencies

Highlights the act of observing things that do not align or match.

uncover anomalies

Suggests revealing hidden deviations through investigation.

find deviations

Focuses on locating instances where something differs from a standard or expected outcome.

recognize errors

Highlights the ability to acknowledge the presence of something wrong.

identify flaws

Implies detecting imperfections or weaknesses.

detect faults

Similar to identifying flaws but can also refer to technical or mechanical issues.

observe abnormalities

Focuses on noticing unusual or irregular conditions.

determine variance

Highlights measuring the difference between the expected and actual results.

FAQs

How can I use "spot irregularities" in a sentence?

You can use "spot irregularities" to describe the act of identifying inconsistencies or anomalies in data, processes, or systems. For example: "Auditors are trained to "detect anomalies" and "identify discrepancies"."

What are some alternatives to "spot irregularities"?

Alternatives include "detect anomalies", "identify discrepancies", or "notice inconsistencies", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "detect irregularities" or "spot irregularities"?

"Detect irregularities" is a more formal and technical alternative. "Spot irregularities" implies a quick or immediate observation, while detect suggests a more thorough investigation.

What does it mean to "spot irregularities" in financial records?

To "spot irregularities" in financial records means to identify unusual or suspicious entries, patterns, or transactions that may indicate errors, fraud, or non-compliance with accounting standards.