to examine something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to examine something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of inspecting, analyzing, or studying an object, idea, or situation in detail. Example: "The researchers decided to examine the data collected from the experiment to draw meaningful conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

He leaned over to examine something.

The New York Times

-- the once-over; to examine something; "Sylvester Stallone gave the script the o.o.

The New York Times

The concept is similar, to examine something outside of the normal working scope, but the time-scales and outcomes are different.

The Guardian

Now, Mr. Dreicer is using his skills as an architectural conservator to examine something more intangible but no less damaging: the architecture of segregation.

The New York Times - Arts

From time to time, Mr. Kershaw stooped to examine something, while Owen strained to catch sight of an arrowhead among the stones.

The New Yorker

This Rashomon-like approach, inspired by Legs McNeil and Gillian McCain's 1997 book Please Kill Me: The Uncensored Oral History of Punk, is probably the smartest way to examine something as tangled and turbulent as a regional music scene.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The center is dedicated to examining something that is bigger than all of us: the growing continuum of mechanically generated images that flow seamlessly between art and life, insinuating themselves into every aspect of contemporary experience.

The New York Times - Arts

"I believe if you want to truly examine something," he said, "if you truly want to activate a rigorous critique, you don't want to show it in a bad light.

The New York Times - Arts

For example, if he has to physically examine something... that is not done as quickly at our age.

BMC Geriatrics

When you need to carefully examine something, it means tap on it more than once.

WikiHow

Students can examine something up close to see why a work is or isn't what it purports to be, based on its physical characteristics".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to examine something" in academic writing, ensure that the object of examination is clearly defined and the purpose of the examination is stated. For example, "To examine something, the researcher first reviewed relevant literature."

Common error

Avoid using "to examine something" when a simpler verb like "see", "look at", or "check" would suffice. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to examine something" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as part of a verb phrase. It indicates the purpose or intention behind an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

26%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to examine something" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for describing the act of investigating or scrutinizing a subject. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct, making it suitable for diverse writing contexts, with a slightly formal tone. While alternatives like "to investigate something" or "to analyze something" exist, understanding the subtle differences can help writers choose the most appropriate phrase for their intended meaning. Remember to be clear about the object of examination and to avoid overuse in simple contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to investigate something

Emphasizes a systematic or formal inquiry, differing from a general examination.

to analyze something

Focuses on breaking down a subject into its components for detailed understanding.

to scrutinize something

Implies a very careful and critical examination, often looking for flaws.

to inspect something

Suggests a formal or official examination, often for quality or compliance.

to study something

Indicates a dedicated and prolonged effort to learn about a subject.

to assess something

Highlights the evaluation or judgment of a subject's value or importance.

to probe something

Suggests a deep and thorough investigation, often uncovering hidden aspects.

to explore something

Implies venturing into unfamiliar territory to discover and understand.

to review something

Indicates a formal assessment or evaluation, often with the intent of providing feedback.

to check something out

An informal way to say to investigate or look at something.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "to examine something"?

You can use alternatives such as "to investigate something", "to analyze something", or "to scrutinize something", depending on the specific context.

How do I use "to examine something" in a sentence?

Use "to examine something" when you want to express the act of inspecting, analyzing, or studying an object, idea, or situation in detail. For example, "The committee was formed to examine the proposed changes to the policy."

When is it appropriate to use "to examine something" versus "to look at something"?

"To examine something" implies a more thorough and detailed investigation than "to look at something". Use "to examine" when a deeper understanding or analysis is required.

Is there a difference between "to examine something" and "to inspect something"?

While both phrases involve looking at something closely, "to inspect something" often suggests a more formal or official review, such as for quality control or compliance, whereas "to examine something" can be more general.