under closer examination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under closer examination" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a more detailed analysis or scrutiny of a subject or situation. Example: "Under closer examination, the data revealed several inconsistencies that needed to be addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The company's employment practices have come under closer examination.

The New York Times - Tech

It's the kind of pithy phrase that sounds good but doesn't necessarily hold up under closer examination.

The New Yorker

Under closer examination, we can see that the range is in line with the port city of Busan in South Korea.

The Washington Post

Walter B. Huffman, a former Army judge advocate general, said it was not uncommon in military criminal proceedings to see charges against troops involved in a single episode to fall away under closer examination of evidence, winnowing culpability to just one or two defendants.

The New York Times

The issue of how school officials handle allegations of sexual misconduct by administrators, teachers or other employees has come under closer examination in the last week, after two cases in which Board of Education employees have remained in contact with students despite previous accusations of sexual misconduct.

The New York Times

Yet even the most seemingly obvious divisions between old and new can break down under closer examination.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

So how will Mr. Moore's movie stand up under close examination?

The New York Times

It's a pretty silly argument that doesn't hold up under close examination.

The Guardian - Business

BUT Japan's slow growth does not look so bad under close examination.

The New York Times

Tax-cut advocates had claimed the Reagan years as proof of their doctrine's correctness; as we have seen, those claims wilt under close examination.

The New York Times - Magazine

It will come under close examination given recent controversies over BBC spending, from the multi-million payoffs given to former executives to the £100m Digital Media Initiative fiasco.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under closer examination", ensure that the subsequent analysis provides specific details and insights that were not immediately apparent.

Common error

Avoid using "under closer examination" if the analysis that follows is merely a restatement of obvious facts or lacks depth. The phrase implies a significant level of scrutiny and insight, so the analysis should match that expectation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under closer examination" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the manner in which something is being considered or analyzed. It sets the stage for a more in-depth look at a subject, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under closer examination" serves as a valuable linguistic tool for signaling a deeper, more analytical perspective. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and the variety of source contexts underscore its versatility in both formal and informal writing. While not exceedingly common, the phrase effectively prepares the reader for a detailed analysis, revealing subtleties or issues not immediately apparent. When considering alternative phrasings, ensure that the chosen substitute maintains the intended emphasis on detailed scrutiny. Using this phrase properly can greatly enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon closer inspection

Replaces "examination" with "inspection", suggesting a more visual or observational focus.

under closer scrutiny

Replaces "examination" with "scrutiny", indicating a more critical and potentially judgmental evaluation.

with deeper analysis

Focuses on the analytical aspect, emphasizing a more thorough investigation.

on closer assessment

Similar to examination, but focus on assessment process.

in more detail

Simplifies the phrase to highlight the increased level of detail involved.

if carefully scrutinized

Focuses on potential issues to reveal.

after further review

Implies a second look or reconsideration of something already assessed.

when analyzed more thoroughly

Highlights the need of an analytical approach on a deeper way.

with careful consideration

Emphasizes thoughtfulness and deliberation in the analysis.

following a thorough investigation

Highlights the investigative aspect, suggesting a systematic and comprehensive inquiry.

FAQs

How can I use "under closer examination" in a sentence?

You can use "under closer examination" to introduce a more detailed analysis of a topic. For example: "Under closer examination, the data revealed inconsistencies."

What's a synonym for "under closer examination"?

Alternatives include "upon closer inspection", "with deeper analysis", or "under closer scrutiny". Choose the one that best fits the context.

Is it better to say "under closer examination" or "under close examination"?

Both "under closer examination" and "under close examination" are acceptable, but "under closer examination" is more common. They convey the same meaning, referring to a detailed analysis.

When is it appropriate to use "under closer examination" in writing?

Use "under closer examination" when you want to signal that you are about to delve into a more thorough and nuanced analysis of a topic, revealing details that may not be immediately obvious.