under close inspection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under close inspection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is being examined carefully or scrutinized in detail. Example: "The painting revealed several hidden details under close inspection that were not visible at first glance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Still, Mr. Eckhouse's credentials as Herb-the-hayseed-from-Iowa don't hold up under close inspection.

The New York Times - Food

And so to Washington, where that pattern has, let us say, been under close inspection for many months.

The New Yorker

At one point, we find ourselves under close inspection by a party of vacationing nuns, who are last seen merrily lending a hand to the lockmaster.

The New York Times - Travel

France, in this brilliant work of history seen from the margins, dissolves under close inspection into a vast cabinet of curiosities, an endless series of counterexamples to the myth of a culturally unified nation and people.

The New York Times - Books

After the site came under close inspection by United Nations weapons inspectors who arrived in the wake of the 1991 war, it lost much of its importance as top-secret programs were transferred.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, when replacing missing segments is acceptable or necessary, the conservator does this in such a manner as to make the replacements or additions apparent under close inspection or through using easily available inspection techniques.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Lorries entering Beijing have been coming under closer inspection.

The Economist

They claim to be honest when under closer inspection they are simply being hurtful and insulting.

Independent

There's also an Asus tablet that looks, under closer inspection, to be an extremely small Etch A Sketch.

The Guardian - Tech

But under closer inspection, even the poster child is a failure.

Huffington Post

They may at first seem meaningful, but, as Snopes argues, under closer inspection they don't speak to any meaningful patterns.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under close inspection" when you want to emphasize a detailed and careful examination. For example, "The evidence was placed under close inspection to determine its validity."

Common error

Avoid using "under close inspection" when a simple observation or cursory glance is sufficient. This phrase implies a more detailed and rigorous process than a quick look.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under close inspection" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun by indicating the manner in which something is being viewed or analyzed. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in contexts where detailed scrutiny is involved.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under close inspection" is a grammatically sound and relatively common prepositional phrase used to indicate that something is being subjected to detailed and thorough examination. According to Ludwig, this phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with some usage in science and encyclopedias. The phrase has a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for professional, academic, and journalistic writing. While the phrase is correct, it's important to use it when the context genuinely warrants a detailed examination, avoiding overuse in situations that only require a cursory glance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

closely scrutinized

Synonymous with "under scrutiny", reinforcing the idea of critical observation.

under scrutiny

Replaces "close inspection" with a single word, conveying a similar meaning of critical examination.

subject to thorough examination

Uses a more formal tone and emphasizes the comprehensiveness of the examination.

detailed review

Highlights a careful and methodical assessment.

carefully examined

Focuses on the action of examining rather than the state of being inspected.

thorough investigation

Focuses on the exhaustive nature of the investigative process.

meticulously investigated

Highlights the precision and detail involved in the investigation process.

in-depth analysis

Implies a thorough and detailed analytical process.

subject to rigorous analysis

Emphasizes the analytical aspect of the examination.

under observation

Shifts the focus to monitoring rather than active examination.

FAQs

How can I use "under close inspection" in a sentence?

You can use "under close inspection" to indicate that something is being carefully and thoroughly examined. For instance, "The document came under close inspection to identify any inconsistencies."

What phrases are similar to "under close inspection"?

Similar phrases include "under scrutiny", "carefully examined", and "subject to thorough examination". These alternatives convey a similar level of detailed analysis.

Is it appropriate to use "under close inspection" in formal writing?

Yes, "under close inspection" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to express that something is being meticulously examined. It can be used in professional, academic and news & media contexts.

What's the difference between "under close inspection" and "under closer inspection"?

"Under close inspection" implies a general state of being carefully examined. "Under closer inspection" suggests a more detailed examination than previously done. The phrase "under closer inspection" implies a second look or a more meticulous analysis than an initial one.