to examine the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to examine the" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of analyzing or investigating something in detail. Example: "The researchers aim to examine the effects of climate change on local wildlife."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Painstakingly, he begins to examine the vehicle.

Independent

Eventually, she stopped to examine the sponge.

The New Yorker

One test is to examine the needles.

The New York Times

People drifted over to examine the chart.

The New Yorker

I invite you to examine the blog.

The Guardian - Opinion

I bend down to examine the cat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Doctors rushed to examine the injury.

The New York Times - Sports

Labor has vowed to examine the agreement.

The Guardian - Business

"We need to examine the mentality of these applicants.

The Guardian

Then the resident turned to examine the patient's extensive chart.

The New York Times - Magazine

Scientists will need to examine the new iridium anomaly similarly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to examine the", ensure that the object of examination is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "to examine the data", rather than just "to examine".

Common error

Avoid using "to examine the" in overly simple sentences where a more direct verb would suffice. For instance, instead of "We need to examine the problem", consider "We need to solve the problem."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to examine the" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used to introduce the purpose or intention behind an action. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its role in setting up a subsequent investigation or analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to examine the" is a versatile infinitive phrase used to introduce a detailed investigation or analysis across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently employed, especially in news, scientific, and business writing. While appropriate in many scenarios, it's important to use it thoughtfully and avoid overuse in simple sentences where more direct verbs could suffice. When choosing alternatives, consider the specific nuance you want to convey, such as a formal investigation ("to investigate the") or a critical visual check ("to inspect the").

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to analyze the

Focuses on a systematic and detailed examination for explanation or interpretation.

to scrutinize the

Suggests a very close and critical examination.

to investigate the

Implies a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine the facts of an incident, allegation, etc. to establish the truth.

to inspect the

Suggests a careful and critical visual examination.

to review the

Implies a formal assessment or survey.

to assess the

Emphasizes the evaluation or estimation of the nature, quality, or ability of something.

to probe the

Indicates a thorough inquiry to uncover information.

to study the

Implies a period of research or dedicated learning about a specific topic.

to explore the

Implies a detailed discussion or analysis.

to check the

Suggests verifying accuracy or condition.

FAQs

How can I use "to examine the" in a sentence?

You can use "to examine the" to introduce a detailed inspection or analysis. For example, "The scientists used microscopes to examine the cells".

What are some alternatives to "to examine the"?

Some alternatives include "to analyze the", "to investigate the", or "to scrutinize the", depending on the context.

Is "to examine the" formal or informal?

"To examine the" is generally considered neutral to formal, suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts. It's less appropriate for casual conversation.

What is the difference between "to examine the" and "to inspect the"?

"To examine the" implies a more in-depth analysis, while "to inspect the" often refers to a visual or superficial check. You might "examine the evidence" but "inspect the goods".