upon closer examination

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "upon closer examination" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a topic or object that requires a more detailed look. For example, "Upon closer examination, I noticed several inconsistencies in the data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 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, data-opolies can actually be more dangerous than traditional monopolies.

Harvard Business Review

Those I fixed on often turned out to be, upon closer examination, embroideries.

The New York Times - Arts

Though upon closer examination, in full color, he said, he realized his mistake.

The Washington Post

It was only upon closer examination of the phone that she discovered the true culprit.

The Washington Post

Upon closer examination, data-opolies can pose at least eight potential harms.

Harvard Business Review

Unfortunately, enticing though they may be, such beliefs don't bear up upon closer examination.

Harvard Business Review

Upon closer examination, uniform features and unifying elements do crystallize within this diversity.

Philosophy of Technology and Engineering Sciences

Upon closer examination of the literature, we identified a trend relating cell motility to experimental outcome.

Advances in Space Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "upon closer examination" to introduce a contrasting or surprising finding that wasn't immediately apparent.

Common error

Avoid using "upon closer examination" for extremely obvious details. Save it for insights that genuinely require deeper analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upon closer examination" functions as a prepositional phrase, often serving as an introductory element in a sentence. It signals a transition from an initial observation to a more detailed and insightful understanding. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "upon closer examination" is a versatile tool for indicating a shift in understanding after a more thorough analysis. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its primary function is to introduce a contrasting or surprising finding, particularly in news, scientific, and business contexts. While alternatives like "on closer inspection" exist, "upon closer examination" maintains a neutral to formal tone. Remember to use it judiciously, reserving it for insights that genuinely benefit from detailed scrutiny to avoid redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on closer inspection

Replaces "examination" with "inspection", focusing on visual assessment.

with deeper scrutiny

Substitutes "closer examination" with a phrase emphasizing thoroughness.

after further analysis

Emphasizes the analytical process involved in the detailed look.

on a more detailed review

Highlights the process of reviewing information with greater attention to detail.

when carefully assessed

Focuses on the act of careful assessment leading to a different understanding.

under closer observation

Similar meaning, but emphasizes the act of watching something closely.

through meticulous investigation

Highlights a thorough and precise investigation.

in detailed consideration

Emphasizes thoughtful and thorough consideration.

taking a more in-depth look

Replaces the formal "examination" with a more casual phrase.

with heightened attention to detail

Focuses on the increased attention given to specific details.

FAQs

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

Use "upon closer examination" to introduce a finding that is revealed after careful scrutiny. For example, "The initial report seemed promising, but "upon closer examination", several flaws were discovered."

What are some alternatives to "upon closer examination"?

Alternatives include "on closer inspection", "with deeper scrutiny", or "after further analysis". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to use "upon closer examination" instead of "after examination"?

No, "after examination" is suitable when simply stating that something was examined. "Upon closer examination" is more appropriate when highlighting a discovery or change in understanding that occurred due to a more thorough look.

What's the difference between "upon closer examination" and "at first glance"?

"At first glance" introduces an initial impression, while "upon closer examination" presents a contrasting finding after deeper analysis. They represent opposite stages of observation and understanding.