superficial inspection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "superficial inspection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quick or cursory examination of something without going into detail. Example: "The technician conducted a superficial inspection of the equipment before deciding to perform a more thorough analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

This year, however, they finally consented to a superficial inspection.

Independent

This is the only portion that is visible to superficial inspection, appearing as a perforated disc, the central perforation, or pupil, varying in size according to the surrounding illumination and other factors.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Bad in theory, bad on the stats, at least on a superficial inspection, and flawed, no doubt – but for those who went to one, they represented a ladder of opportunity which has since disappeared.

Independent

The group selected to die, about three-quarters of the total, included almost all children, women with small children, pregnant women, all the elderly, and all those who appeared on brief and superficial inspection by an SS doctor not to be completely fit.

Wikipedia

A superficial inspection of the results shows clustering into groups consisting roughly homogeneously of motor neurons, sensory neurons, and interneurons.

eLife

Our results apply to a much wider range of regulatory settings than what appears from a superficial inspection of the differential equations (see Methods).

BMC Systems Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Many superficial inspections were performed on the locomotive in 1980 and it was found to be in relatively sound mechanical condition.

Wikipedia

Sensing includes vision and a laser telemeter to assure precise inspection, superficial preparation, and composite application.

Automation in Construction

Although blood sampling focused on the acute phase period (until the 21st day), clinical assessment continued for six months, with all animals clinically examined twice per month through the inspection of superficial lymph nodes and routine blood sampling.

BMC Veterinary Research

Finally rebelling against an increasingly bureaucratic and, in his view, superficial system of Ofsted inspections, he returned to a head of department role and spent a further 13 years in comprehensive schools.

The Guardian

In three out of those five patients, the superficial biopsy contained "hyperplastic tissue", while inspection of the whole resected polyp revealed that it contained hamartomatous components.

Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "superficial inspection" to accurately describe situations where a more in-depth analysis is either not possible or not necessary.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on a "superficial inspection" when a more thorough investigation is needed. This can lead to overlooking critical details or making inaccurate conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "superficial inspection" functions as a noun phrase, where "superficial" modifies the noun "inspection". It indicates a type of examination that is not deep or thorough. Ludwig's examples illustrate this in various contexts, from medical assessments to mechanical checks.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "superficial inspection" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase describing a brief or surface-level examination. While not particularly common, as shown by Ludwig, it is appropriate for various contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedic entries. Alternatives like "cursory examination" or "brief assessment" may be suitable depending on the desired nuance. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is well-understood and serves to set expectations about the depth of the analysis conducted. Be mindful not to rely on a "superficial inspection" when a more thorough analysis is truly required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cursory examination

Focuses on the quick and perfunctory nature of the examination.

brief assessment

Emphasizes the shortness of the assessment.

shallow review

Highlights the lack of depth in the review.

surface-level analysis

Stresses that the analysis only considers the surface aspects.

quick check

Suggests a fast and simple verification.

perfunctory look

Indicates a routine and indifferent observation.

hasty scan

Implies a rapid and possibly incomplete scan.

light overview

Conveys a general and undetailed summary.

passing glance

Suggests an extremely brief and casual look.

casual observation

Implies an informal and relaxed observation.

FAQs

How to use "superficial inspection" in a sentence?

You can use "superficial inspection" to describe a quick or surface-level examination of something. For example: "The mechanic performed a "superficial inspection" of the engine before recommending further repairs."

What can I say instead of "superficial inspection"?

You can use alternatives like "cursory examination", "brief assessment", or "shallow review" depending on the context.

When is a "superficial inspection" appropriate?

A "superficial inspection" is appropriate when a quick overview is sufficient, or when a more detailed examination is not feasible due to time or resource constraints. However, always consider whether a more thorough approach is necessary to avoid overlooking critical issues.

What's the difference between "superficial inspection" and "thorough inspection"?

A "superficial inspection" is a quick, surface-level examination, while a "thorough inspection" involves a detailed and comprehensive analysis. The choice depends on the situation and the level of detail required.