upon scrutiny

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'upon scrutiny' is a commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used to indicate that something is being evaluated or examined carefully. For example, "The candidate's credentials were put under close scrutiny upon his interview."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

In the view of Calvary, a crowd of people and horses around the Cross looks random at first glance but, upon scrutiny, reveals an exquisitely worked-out pictorial structure of vertical, horizontal, and diagonal alignments.

The New Yorker

Upon scrutiny, I discovered that your statements and claims are so riddled with hypocrisy, contradictions and prejudicial assumptions that I felt it imperative to publicly request an explanation.

Huffington Post

Upon scrutiny, it also turned out to have been a total crock, likely cooked up as part of a political smear campaign against Menendez, who was about to take over the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Vice

Upon scrutiny, the MOX fuel option is an untested nuclear boondoggle with the potential for accomplishing the opposite of the agreement's stated goal: prohibiting the proliferation of weapons-grade plutonium.

Huffington Post

Upon scrutiny of the EST evidence (see footnote to Table S1), one additional sequence (Smp_154270) was also removed because it is only expressed in the miracidium – a developmental stage not found within the human host.

Plosone

Neither of these criteria holds up upon scrutiny.

BMC Medical Ethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The full Epicurean appeal of the dish reveals itself only upon close scrutiny.

The New York Times

But in many cases, upon close scrutiny, stricter laws governing protective orders and firearms might very well have made a difference.

The New York Times

And upon further scrutiny, it turns out that the Ballon d'Or voters or at least those who based their decision on scoring appear to have erred.

The Economist

Her slim legs were clad in hose that appeared to be ebony but upon closer scrutiny were actually the color of very, very dark chocolate.

The New York Times

Often the forest deity was also female, occasionally an especially beautiful woman, who enticed hunters or woodcutters staying in the woods overnight; but she, too, turned out to be a rotten old stump upon closer scrutiny.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "upon scrutiny" to add a layer of formality and precision when discussing evaluations or examinations. It signals that the assessment was not superficial.

Common error

Avoid using "upon scrutiny" in very informal contexts. Simpler phrases like "after checking" or "on closer look" might be more appropriate for casual communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upon scrutiny" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or clause. It introduces the condition or circumstance under which something is revealed or understood, indicating a careful and thorough examination. Ludwig AI validates this structure through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

54%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "upon scrutiny" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that something is revealed or understood only after a careful and thorough examination. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts, suggesting a formal register. While the phrase isn't exceedingly common, its usage is well-established, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary for formal writing and discussions. When aiming for clarity and precision in evaluations, "upon scrutiny" is a strong option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on closer inspection

Emphasizes a more detailed and hands-on review or assessment.

with closer observation

Stresses the act of watching and noticing details carefully.

under examination

Focuses on the process of being examined rather than the action of scrutinizing.

given closer attention

Highlights that more attention is given to the action.

following a thorough review

Emphasizes the completeness and intensity of the review process.

after careful consideration

Highlights thoughtfulness and deliberation in the evaluation process.

after a detailed investigation

Highlights the investigative nature and depth of the examination.

when closely analyzed

Highlights analytical perspective of examining something.

subject to careful analysis

Underlines something that requires close study or investigation.

in light of detailed analysis

Focuses on the insights and knowledge gained from a meticulous analysis.

FAQs

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

The phrase "upon scrutiny" is typically used to introduce a revelation or realization that occurs after careful examination. For instance, "Upon scrutiny, the financial records revealed discrepancies."

What's the difference between "upon scrutiny" and "under scrutiny"?

"Upon scrutiny" refers to the moment of careful examination and the subsequent discovery. "Under scrutiny" indicates the state of being examined, often implying potential criticism or doubt.

What are some alternatives to using "upon scrutiny"?

You can use alternatives like "on closer inspection", "after careful consideration", or "under examination", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "upon close scrutiny" or just "upon scrutiny"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and widely accepted. "Upon close scrutiny" emphasizes the intensity and detail of the examination, while "upon scrutiny" implies the same level of care without explicitly stating it. Choose the phrase that best fits the context and desired emphasis.