under heavy scrutiny

USAGE SUMMARY

"under heavy scrutiny" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is being closely examined or monitored. For example: "The team's performance has been under heavy scrutiny since it failed to qualify for the playoffs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The project iscoming under heavy scrutiny.

The Guardian

The Phoenix memorandum is one of two documents under heavy scrutiny by Congressional investigators.

The New York Times

Rooney's role has been under heavy scrutiny since the Euro 2016 debacle.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Yang also looked ahead to the daunting task of guiding Yahoo's growth as an independent company — under heavy scrutiny.

The New York Times - Tech

Up front, the Lions had serious issues with the scrum in the first half, when loosehead Mako Vunipola came under heavy scrutiny from the referee, Craig Joubert.

The New York Times - Sports

The channel's political leanings came under heavy scrutiny in 2010 when News Corporation donated $1 million to the Republican Governors Association.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I saw the Time magazine cover featuring a woman nursing her toddler, which has come under heavy scrutiny for seemingly sexualizing the act of breast-feeding.

The New York Times

In recent months Apple has come under heavy scrutiny for working conditions in the overseas factories it uses, specifically those of Foxconn, the Taiwanese electronics manufacturer.

The New York Times

She will be under heavy scrutiny even by Clinton standards, discovering what it means to be a supposedly private citizen in the age of Twitter.

The New York Times

Scott came under heavy scrutiny Dec. 13, when the Nets lost by 47 points at Memphis and Kidd screamed at the coaching staff in the locker room.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

With Governor Bush running for president, and the Texas death penalty system under heavier scrutiny, one of Mr. Spence's post-conviction lawyers, Raoul Schonemann, says ruefully that Mr. Spence is receiving more attention now than he did when his lawyers were fighting to save his life.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under heavy scrutiny" when you want to emphasize the intensity and thoroughness of the examination. For example, use it when actions, policies, or individuals are being intensely investigated or watched.

Common error

Avoid using "heavy" with words that don't imply intense examination or monitoring. For example, saying something is "under heavy review" might sound awkward; instead, opt for phrases like "under thorough review" or "under detailed review".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under heavy scrutiny" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that the subject is being closely and carefully examined. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and frequently used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under heavy scrutiny" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey that something is being closely examined. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage in a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media. While it can be used across different registers, it is most often found in neutral to formal settings. When using this phrase, it's important to consider whether the intensity of the examination is warranted and if there are alternative phrases that might better fit the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under close examination

Focuses on the act of examining rather than the intensity of the scrutiny.

under intense observation

Emphasizes the act of watching closely, potentially for a specific purpose.

subject to rigorous review

Implies a formal and thorough assessment process.

under the microscope

Figurative language that highlights very detailed examination.

in the spotlight

Highlights public attention and visibility, which may lead to scrutiny.

subject to public inquiry

Indicates a formal investigation open to the public.

under careful consideration

Suggests a thoughtful and deliberate evaluation.

closely monitored

Focuses on ongoing observation and tracking.

under investigation

Indicates a formal inquiry into potential wrongdoing.

subject to audit

Suggests a formal examination of financial or operational records.

FAQs

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

You can use "under heavy scrutiny" to indicate that someone or something is being closely and carefully examined. For instance: "The company's financial practices came "under heavy scrutiny" after the accounting errors were discovered."

What are some alternatives to "under heavy scrutiny"?

Alternatives include "under close examination", "subject to rigorous review", or "under intense observation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "under heavy scrutiny" or "under intense scrutiny"?

Both "under heavy scrutiny" and "under intense scrutiny" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often depends on personal preference, although "heavy" may suggest a more burdensome or critical examination.

What does it mean when something is "under heavy scrutiny"?

When something is "under heavy scrutiny", it means it's being carefully and thoroughly examined, often because of concerns or potential problems. This suggests a detailed and potentially critical review of the subject in question.