upon close examination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "upon close examination" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you are examining something in detail or making a careful study of it. For example, "Upon close examination, it became clear that the painting had been copied from an older masterpiece."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

However, upon close examination, neither theory is convincing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Perry, the master of the four- and five-point plan that, upon close examination, seems filled with platitudes, may not measure up.

The Guardian - Opinion

After all, the paintings are handmade, which means that the symmetry, however hard won, is an illusion, and loses some of its perfection upon close examination.

The New York Times - Arts

This is not a wildly unreasonable point on the face of it, but I do think it falls apart upon close examination.

The New Yorker

Meanshile, Kevin Drum of Mother Jones finds upon close examination that the legislation contains within it a dash of cynical partisan politics!

The Economist

One, the mix-and-match collaging is so obviously the product of some ready-made software program; and two, upon close examination, the surfaces of the pictures have the bland sheen of magazine illustration.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

But upon closer examination, its subtleties became more apparent.

The New York Times - Sports

But the optimism quickly fades upon closer examination.

The New York Times - Magazine

Upon closer examination, I recognized one pile as my former bourbon bottle.

The New York Times - Travel

Upon closer examination, I realized that the beads spelled out "Loyal 2 Trump 4 Eva".

The New Yorker

Upon closer examination, that stalwart dress was looking a little worn, and buttons were missing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "upon close examination", ensure that the subsequent statements clearly reflect the insights gained from a detailed and thorough analysis, lending credibility to your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "upon close examination" when the observation is easily apparent without detailed scrutiny. This can weaken your writing by suggesting a lack of conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upon close examination" functions as an introductory prepositional phrase, modifying the main clause. It sets the stage for a statement that is based on detailed scrutiny or analysis. As Ludwig AI explains, its purpose is to highlight insights gained from thorough investigation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "upon close examination" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that introduces findings derived from detailed analysis. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage for indicating thorough scrutiny. Predominantly found in scientific and news media contexts, as shown by Ludwig's examples, the phrase lends credibility to subsequent statements. While effective, its formal tone necessitates careful application to avoid sounding pretentious. Remember to employ alternatives like "after careful scrutiny" or "on detailed analysis" depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after careful scrutiny

Emphasizes the thoroughness and precision of the review process, highlighting the attention to detail involved.

on detailed analysis

Highlights the analytical aspect of the review, focusing on breaking down the subject into its components for better understanding.

with thorough inspection

Stresses the physical or procedural aspect of checking something completely.

under meticulous review

Emphasizes the precision and care taken during the review process, suggesting a high level of attention to detail.

in depth investigation

Highlights the extensiveness and thoroughness of the exploration.

following rigorous assessment

Emphasizes the strict and systematic nature of the evaluation process.

on deeper consideration

Focuses on the thoughtfulness and reflection involved in evaluating something, suggesting a move beyond superficial understanding.

after critical evaluation

Highlights the evaluative nature of the process, indicating a judgment is being made based on specific criteria.

given a thorough look

Suggests a comprehensive visual inspection or review.

with careful observation

Emphasizes the attentiveness to detail and the act of noticing subtle aspects.

FAQs

How can I use "upon close examination" in a sentence?

Use "upon close examination" to introduce a finding or conclusion reached after careful and detailed analysis. For example, "Upon close examination, the data revealed a significant correlation between the two variables."

What are some alternatives to "upon close examination"?

Alternatives include "after careful scrutiny", "on detailed analysis", or "with thorough inspection". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "upon close examination" formal or informal?

"Upon close examination" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, and technical writing. In more casual contexts, simpler alternatives might be preferred.

What's the difference between "upon close examination" and "after a quick look"?

"Upon close examination" implies a thorough, detailed review, while "after a quick look" suggests a brief, superficial assessment. They are used in very different contexts.