under scrutiny

USAGE SUMMARY

"under scrutiny" is a perfectly acceptable phrase and can be used in written English.
It typically means to be critically examined or watched closely. Example Sentence: The company's financial records were placed under scrutiny for any possible discrepancies.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now they are under scrutiny.

The Economist

HSBC is also under scrutiny.

The New York Times

Eight transfers are under scrutiny.

Independent

We are under scrutiny.

The Guardian

But does that bear up under scrutiny?

The New Yorker

Contracts worth $1.2 billion are under scrutiny.

The Economist

The drug tests themselves are under scrutiny.

The Economist

That view is coming under scrutiny.

The New York Times

These achievements are now coming under scrutiny.

The Economist

That order has also come under scrutiny.

The New York Times

You're the one under scrutiny".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under scrutiny" when you want to convey that something or someone is being carefully and critically examined. This phrase is particularly effective when suggesting potential issues or concerns that warrant investigation.

Common error

Avoid using "under scrutiny" when a simple review or assessment is taking place. The phrase implies a level of suspicion or potential wrongdoing that might be inappropriate in routine evaluations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under scrutiny" primarily functions as a predicate adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate its state of being closely and critically examined. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is perfectly acceptable and widely used in written English. Ludwig's examples show it describing topics from financial records to personal actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under scrutiny" is a widely used and grammatically correct expression that conveys a state of being closely and critically examined. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides numerous examples demonstrating its application across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media sources, the phrase signals that a subject is undergoing intense examination due to potential problems or irregularities. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously, reserving it for situations where a high level of suspicion or investigation is warranted, as opposed to routine evaluations. Alternatives like "under investigation" or "closely examined" offer nuanced options depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject to investigation

Emphasizes the formal process of investigating something, adding a layer of official inquiry.

under investigation

Highlights the state of being actively investigated, focusing on the ongoing process.

subject to examination

Focuses on a detailed inspection or assessment, implying a thorough review.

closely examined

Highlights the thoroughness of the examination, emphasizing the detail-oriented approach.

subject to review

Implies a formal assessment or evaluation, often in a professional or official context.

being vetted

Indicates a process of thorough checking and approval, often used in contexts of hiring or security.

in the spotlight

Focuses on public attention and visibility, rather than necessarily implying a formal investigation.

under the microscope

Emphasizes a very detailed and critical examination, often uncovering minute details.

carefully analyzed

Stresses the cautious and thoughtful approach to analyzing something, highlighting the depth of analysis.

thoroughly checked

Emphasizes the completeness and diligence of the checking process, assuring no detail is missed.

FAQs

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

Use "under scrutiny" to indicate that something is being carefully examined, often because of potential problems. For example: "The company's finances are "under scrutiny" following the recent scandal".

What are some alternatives to "under scrutiny"?

You can use alternatives like "under investigation", "closely examined", or "subject to review" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to say something is "under scrutiny"?

It's appropriate when there's a need for close examination due to suspicion, potential errors, or significant consequences. It suggests a more intense level of review than a simple assessment.

What's the difference between "under scrutiny" and "being reviewed"?

"Under scrutiny" implies a critical examination, often due to suspected issues, whereas "being reviewed" suggests a more routine or general assessment without inherent suspicion.