under a lens

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under a lens" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is being closely examined or scrutinized. For example: The suspect's alibi was examined under a lens to determine its validity.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Put these elements under a lens and the show has the chance of being an uncomfortable study of behaviour so many of us are so keen to let quietly slide.

The Guardian

Did we want to become another reality show couple and have our marriage scrutinized under a lens?

Huffington Post

After years of subsidizing film productions without looking too closely at how that was helping the economy, state officials put it under a lens and found that taxpayers were spending as much as $300,000 to bankroll each position.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The Heat experienced its regular season under the microscope, a lens that will only increase as the playoffs advance.

The New York Times

The 16-megapixel Nikon D7000 is available for just under $1,000 with a lens, and it received extremely high marks when it came out last year.

The New York Times - Tech

I passed it among my platoon mates to read under a red lens at night.

The Washington Post

"MYSTERY AT THE LIBRARY: CRIME-SOLVING TECHNIQUES". Learn how to solve crimes by identifying fingerprints and hair samples under a magnifying lens.

The New York Times - Arts

Convictions that relied on disputed confessions or the word of a single drug addict will be viewed under a modern lens, and could collapse under today's dependence on forensics.

The New York Times

This research investigates a spectrum control method that improves the concentration flux uniformity and redirects the energy that tend to build up temperature under a Fresnel lens (FL).

Renewable Energy

In Mr. Lee's cinematic installation, a screen stretching across the darkened gallery is filled with luminous drifting images of animals, trees, houses and figures, which appear to be under a microscope lens.

The New York Times - Arts

In Mr. Lee's cinematic installation, a screen stretching across the darkened gallery is filled with luminous drifting images of animals, trees, houses and figures that appear to be under a microscope lens.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under a lens" to clearly indicate that something is being examined or scrutinized with careful attention to detail. It suggests a focused and potentially critical assessment.

Common error

Avoid using "under a lens" in overly casual or informal writing. Opt for simpler phrases like "looked at" or "considered" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under a lens" primarily functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the manner in which an action (usually involving examination or assessment) is performed. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It specifies that something is being viewed or considered with focused attention and scrutiny.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under a lens" is a grammatically correct and usable prepositional phrase that describes something being closely examined or scrutinized. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it commonly appears in news, scientific, and academic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While its overall frequency is rare, its meaning is clear: a thorough and critical evaluation. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of this phrase, making it a suitable choice for emphasizing the depth and focus of an analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under scrutiny

Focuses more on the act of being examined rather than the method.

closely examined

Emphasizes the detailed nature of the examination.

under close observation

Highlights the act of watching something carefully.

subject to analysis

Indicates a formal and systematic investigation.

viewed critically

Focuses on a judgmental or evaluative perspective.

seen in perspective

Implies understanding something within a broader context.

through the prism of

Suggests a particular angle or viewpoint influencing perception.

subject to review

Highlights a formal assessment process.

analyzed in detail

Focuses on the depth and thoroughness of the analysis.

evaluated thoroughly

Emphasizes the completeness and rigor of the evaluation.

FAQs

How can I use "under a lens" in a sentence?

You can use "under a lens" to indicate that something is being closely examined or scrutinized. For example: "The new policy will be examined "under a lens" to ensure it meets all requirements."

What is an alternative to using "under a lens"?

Alternatives to "under a lens" include phrases like "under scrutiny", "closely examined", or "viewed critically", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "under a lens" in formal writing?

Yes, "under a lens" is appropriate for formal writing as it conveys a sense of thorough examination and critical assessment. However, ensure the context warrants such a formal tone.

What's the difference between "under a lens" and "in perspective"?

"Under a lens" implies a close, detailed examination, while "in perspective" suggests understanding something within a broader context or viewpoint. They are not interchangeable.