under close scrutiny

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under close scrutiny" is correct and can be used in written English.
You would use it when referring to something being carefully examined. For example, "The suspect was held under close scrutiny in order to determine if they were involved in the incident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Before accession, governments were under close scrutiny.

The Economist

Barack Obama's leadership is under close scrutiny.

The Guardian

Why is Justice Owen under close scrutiny?

The New York Times

American technology companies are under close scrutiny in Germany.

The New York Times - Tech

Yuka Silvera's handsome costumes bear up under close scrutiny.

The New York Times

("Bell's thesis simply will not stand up under close scrutiny").

The New Yorker

"It's obvious that VKontakte is under close scrutiny".

The Guardian

Since the Arab spring, everyone is under close scrutiny.

The Guardian

I put my every word choice under close scrutiny.

The New Yorker

Women leaders come under close scrutiny in what is after all the home of couture.

The New York Times

But analysts say Jiaotong and Lanxiang are certain to come under close scrutiny.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under close scrutiny", ensure the subject being scrutinized is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "under close scrutiny" for trivial or unimportant matters. The phrase implies a high level of importance or potential risk, so it's inappropriate for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under close scrutiny" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It indicates the manner in which an action is performed, specifically emphasizing the thoroughness and intensity of the examination or observation. As seen in Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used in contexts where careful evaluation is paramount.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under close scrutiny" is a common idiom used to describe something being carefully and thoroughly examined. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts. Primarily found in news and media, science, and formal business settings, it highlights the importance of a detailed evaluation. When using "under close scrutiny", ensure the context warrants such a high level of critical examination and be mindful of potential overuse in trivial situations. Alternatives like "subject to careful examination" or "under careful evaluation" can offer a similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis. Ultimately, understanding the nuances of "under close scrutiny" will enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject to careful examination

Replaces the idiom with a more literal description of the action.

under careful evaluation

Substitutes "scrutiny" with "evaluation", focusing on assessment.

subject to thorough review

Uses "thorough review" instead of "close scrutiny", emphasizing completeness.

under intense observation

Replaces "scrutiny" with "observation", highlighting the act of watching closely.

subject to rigorous assessment

Emphasizes the strict and detailed nature of the evaluation.

closely monitored

Focuses on the continuous tracking and oversight.

carefully analyzed

Highlights the detailed examination of the subject.

subject to strict inspection

Emphasizes a formal and exacting examination process.

meticulously investigated

Highlights the detailed and careful nature of the investigation.

thoroughly checked

Focuses on the completeness of the checking process.

FAQs

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

You can use "under close scrutiny" to describe situations where something is being carefully examined. For example, "The company's financial records are "under close scrutiny" due to recent allegations of fraud."

What are some alternatives to "under close scrutiny"?

Some alternatives include "subject to careful examination", "under careful evaluation", or "subject to thorough review".

Is there a difference between "under close scrutiny" and "under close observation"?

"Under close scrutiny" implies a more critical and detailed examination, often in response to a problem or concern. "Under close observation", on the other hand, suggests a more general monitoring or watching of something.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "under close scrutiny"?

It is appropriate to use "under close scrutiny" when referring to situations involving careful and detailed examination, particularly when there are concerns about accuracy, legality, or ethical implications.