upon closer observation

USAGE SUMMARY

"upon closer observation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something that a person is able to better understand after taking a closer look. For example, "Upon closer observation, I noticed that the painting had been slightly damaged."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

He frequently and, upon closer observation, nervously reached down for a bottle of water and drank without missing a beat on the court.

The New York Times - Sports

Upon closer observation of the effects of the misfiring, the contour lines don't seem to have been affected.

Johns Hopkins University

And I think upon closer observation, they will notice Mommy has some rather amazing powers.

Huffington Post

As charming as this is, upon closer observation, these kisses are anything but random.

Huffington Post

However, upon closer observation, the surface of the individual fibres had changed drastically.

Biotechnology for Biofuels

Upon closer observation of the peroxidase stain images, the CCC had more visible precipitation dots in comparison to PCC or the control images.

BMC Plant Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

However, upon close observation, time delays (∆t) between amplitude and phase peaks with the X-ray peak ranging from 0.5 to 5 min were estimated for some of these flares, with the C7.1 flare revealing the largest time delay of 5 min.

Earth, Planets and Space

Upon closer reflection, it makes little sense.

Huffington Post

But closer observation reveals content quite different.

The New York Times

On closer observation, he noticed that it had a trunk.

The New Yorker

However, with closer observation you noticed that something was amiss.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "upon closer observation" with concrete and tangible descriptions to strengthen its impact. For example, "Upon closer observation, the texture of the bark revealed intricate patterns of growth."

Common error

Avoid using "upon closer observation" when pointing out immediately apparent details. This phrase is best reserved for insights gained through dedicated inspection, not surface-level observations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upon closer observation" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify a verb or clause. It introduces an element of discovery or revised understanding based on detailed scrutiny, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "upon closer observation" is a prepositional phrase indicating that a more detailed examination reveals information not immediately apparent. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. The phrase signals a shift in understanding, highlighting deeper insights discovered through careful scrutiny. While generally neutral to formal, it's important to reserve its use for instances where genuine inspection leads to new realizations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with closer scrutiny

Maintains the original phrase's emphasis on careful looking.

on deeper inspection

Emphasizes the depth of the examination.

on further investigation

Highlights the act of probing or researching more deeply.

with careful scrutiny

Focuses on the detailed and critical nature of the examination.

following detailed analysis

Emphasizes the analytical aspect of the examination.

upon rigorous examination

Stresses the strict and meticulous nature of the review.

after detailed study

Emphasizes the studious and methodical aspect of the analysis.

after thorough review

Highlights the comprehensiveness of the assessment.

with more careful assessment

Highlights the judgmental aspect of evaluating something with care.

through a magnifying lens

Uses a metaphor to represent the deeper look.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "upon closer observation" in a sentence?

Use "upon closer observation" to introduce a detail, realization, or understanding that emerges only after a more thorough or careful examination. It suggests a deeper level of scrutiny than a cursory glance might provide.

What phrases can I use instead of "upon closer observation"?

You can use alternatives like "with careful scrutiny", "on deeper inspection", or "after thorough review" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to use "upon closer observation" if the context already implies careful examination?

While not always strictly redundant, using "upon closer observation" can sometimes be unnecessary if the surrounding text already makes it clear that a detailed examination has taken place. Consider whether the phrase adds value or simply restates the obvious.

How does "upon closer observation" differ from "at first glance"?

"At first glance" introduces an initial impression, while "upon closer observation" introduces a finding that contradicts or modifies that initial impression. The former is about the superficial, the latter about what's revealed through deeper inspection.