under your microscope

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under your microscope" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used metaphorically to indicate that something is being closely examined or scrutinized. Example: "The researchers put the new specimen under your microscope to analyze its cellular structure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Put a boomer under your microscope.

Forbes

"If your dream is to be buried under your microscope, then there's no room for you here".

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It was confirmed when I used Myavana, a hair care recommendation system that does this by checking your hair under a microscope to find the density, porosity and health of your hair. .

Huffington Post

Kids can look at their own cells under a microscope in the "Your Body, Your Cells" workshop.

Environmental Health Perspectives

"Conditions of work, contract terms, safety — they put your company under a microscope".

The New Yorker

Because he's my age.' "But once you start losing and put your team under a microscope, the age thing is going to come up.

The New York Times - Sports

"It is important to tell Fujimori that we have you under the microscope here; your case is not under a done deal," said Jose Miguel Vivanco, a Chilean lawyer who is executive director of the Americas division of Human Rights Watch, a Washington-based organization.

The New York Times

Holding your life under a microscope, it is hard not to see micro-objects in the viewfinder.

Huffington Post

(Attach a wire cage lined with mesh to a boat; collect the mud and sift it under a microscope in your free time).

WikiHow

If you examined your friends' brains under a microscope (top tip: ask first) you could pick out those that came from men or women pretty accurately.

The Guardian

Check your dissected locust under a microscope or through a magnifying glass.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under your microscope" when you want to emphasize that something is being examined with great care and attention to detail, often revealing hidden aspects or flaws.

Common error

Avoid using "under your microscope" when a simple overview or casual glance is sufficient. This phrase implies a very deep and critical examination, so ensure the context warrants such intensity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under your microscope" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating that something is being subjected to intense scrutiny or detailed examination. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under your microscope" is a prepositional phrase used to describe something being subjected to close, detailed examination. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While relatively rare in occurrence, the phrase finds its primary use in news and media and scientific contexts. It conveys a sense of thorough analysis and intense scrutiny, suggesting that the subject is being examined with great care to uncover hidden details. Alternatives such as "under close scrutiny" or "subject to detailed examination" can be used to convey similar meanings, depending on the desired level of formality. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure that the context warrants the level of intensity implied by the metaphor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under the magnifying glass

A very close synonym, uses a different metaphor for detailed observation.

scrutinized thoroughly

Combines the idea of scrutiny with the degree of detail involved.

under close scrutiny

Emphasizes careful and critical observation; replaces the metaphorical 'microscope' with a more direct term.

closely analyzed

Directly states the action of analyzing, removing the figurative language.

subject to detailed examination

Replaces the idiom with a more formal and literal expression of thorough analysis.

subject to rigorous inspection

Highlights the strict and thorough nature of the examination.

under intense investigation

Focuses on the investigatory aspect, implying a deeper and more formal level of scrutiny.

subject to critical assessment

Emphasizes the evaluative aspect of the examination, highlighting the judgment involved.

in the spotlight

Shifts the focus to public attention and observation rather than detailed analysis.

under review

Implies a formal assessment process, often used in professional or official contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "under your microscope" in a sentence?

You can use "under your microscope" to describe something being closely examined. For example, "The company's finances are "under the microscope" after the recent scandal".

What does it mean when something is "under your microscope"?

It means that something is being subjected to very close and detailed scrutiny, as if being viewed with a microscope.

What are some alternatives to "under your microscope"?

Some alternatives include "under close scrutiny", "subject to detailed examination", or "under intense investigation".

Is it appropriate to use "under your microscope" in formal writing?

Yes, it is acceptable. While somewhat figurative, "under your microscope" is widely understood and can add emphasis to formal or professional writing when describing close examination.