to screen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to screen" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used as a verb or a noun. As a verb, "to screen" means to examine or study carefully. For example: - The company will screen all applicants before selecting the final candidates for the job. - The doctors screened the patient's medical history before deciding on a treatment plan. As a noun, "screen" refers to a protective or separating barrier, or a surface used for displaying images or information. For example: - The movie was shown on a big screen in the park. - The privacy screen provided a barrier between the neighbors' yards. Overall, the phrase "to screen" is commonly used in various contexts, such as in business, healthcare, and technology.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Response options were "more likely to screen," "less likely to screen," or "screening practices the same".

BMC Family Practice

"People are going to screen.

The New York Times - Sports

Mammograms: To screen or not to screen?

Harvard University

To screen capture?

Harvard University

"Two is to screen in the breezeway.

The New York Times

They advised them to screen customers carefully.

The New York Times

To screen or not to screen for prostate cancer?

Harvard University

PAGE D4 Well To Screen or Not to Screen?

The New York Times

We have to screen better.

The New York Times - Sports

This sticky mass is difficult to screen.

Drilling Fluids Processing Handbook

(echo = no) Print keyword value to screen?

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to screen" in a medical context, specify what is being screened for. For example, "to screen for diabetes" is more informative than simply "to screen".

Common error

Avoid using "to screen" when you simply mean "to watch". While "to screen" can mean to present a film, it implies a more formal or professional setting. Use "to watch" in casual contexts. For example, instead of saying "I'm going to screen a movie tonight", say "I'm going to watch a movie tonight".

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to screen" functions primarily as a verb, indicating the action of examining, filtering, or evaluating something. Ludwig provides examples in diverse contexts, reinforcing its verbal function as highlighted by its frequent use in sentences expressing intent or action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the infinitive phrase "to screen" is a versatile term primarily functioning as a verb, denoting the act of examining, filtering, or evaluating. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse fields like science, news, and academia. While "to screen" enjoys widespread usage, it's crucial to consider the context. Alternatives such as "to examine" or "to filter" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Avoid misusing "to screen" as a direct synonym for "to watch" in casual settings. The phrase's formality varies, tilting towards formal in academic and scientific contexts. With a strong presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and Harvard University, mastering its usage enhances clarity and precision in both writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to filter

Focuses on the act of removing unwanted elements, similar to "to screen" in certain contexts.

to examine

Emphasizes a detailed inspection, akin to screening for specific details.

to assess

Highlights the evaluation aspect, which is often a goal of screening.

to investigate

Suggests a more in-depth inquiry, going beyond a simple screening process.

to check

A more general term for verifying or inspecting, similar to a quick screen.

to vet

Implies a thorough investigation, typically to ensure someone is suitable for a role.

to analyze

Focuses on a detailed examination of the components or structure.

to review

Suggests a careful and formal examination of something.

to sort

Implies arranging items systematically based on certain characteristics.

to select

Highlights the action of choosing specific items after an evaluation process.

FAQs

How can I use "to screen" in a sentence?

You can use "to screen" in sentences like "The company needs "to screen all applicants"" or "The doctor decided "to screen the patient" for potential health risks".

What are some alternatives to "to screen"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to examine", "to assess", or "to filter" instead of "to screen".

Which is correct: "to screen applicants" or "to screen for applicants"?

The phrase "to screen applicants" is generally used when you are examining or evaluating existing applicants. The phrase "to screen for applicants" is less common and might be used when actively searching or recruiting potential applicants.

What's the difference between "to screen" and "to monitor"?

"To screen" implies a focused examination at a specific point in time, while "to monitor" suggests continuous observation over a period.