when examining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when examining" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a sentence to describe a process or series of steps that is taking place. For example, you could say: "When examining the data, it became clear that the system was flawed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

These are both critical issues when examining the alarming underimmunization of children.

The New York Times

Rubinstein is at his best when examining the fascinating byways of Zionist history.

The New York Times - Books

Even when examining the party-identification breakdown, 64% of Republicans support such an open policy.

The Guardian - Opinion

At no time is this more evident than when examining government rhetoric around a strike.

The Guardian - Opinion

That is because when examining extreme events, many simulations are needed to generate a robust result.

The Guardian

Voters tend to look at their team's overall record when examining a player's MVP case.

The Guardian - Sport

But when examining Roland and Maud, his own contemporaries, Mr. LaBute shows unusual compassion.

The New York Times

The program is most comfortable when examining pornography as big business, a multibillion-dollar industry.

The New York Times - Arts

Under the Dome doesn't hold back in its criticism when examining the causes of pollution.

The Guardian

Do not rush when examining Web sites and deciding where to list your names.

The New York Times

He was quickly disabused of that when examining case files from officers recruiting agents abroad.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the subject of the main clause is clearly related to what is being examined to maintain logical flow.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by placing the clause starting with "when examining" as close as possible to the subject it modifies. A misplaced modifier can create confusion about what is actually being examined.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when examining" functions as a subordinating conjunction introducing an adverbial clause of time or condition. It sets the context for the main clause by specifying when or under what circumstances the action in the main clause occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when examining" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to introduce a clause that provides context for analysis or review. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is quite common in both formal and informal writing, particularly in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When writing, be mindful of placing the "when examining" clause close to the subject it modifies to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "upon examination of" and "in examining", each offering a slightly different nuance. Overall, "when examining" is a reliable choice for adding context and clarity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon examination of

Changes the structure to a prepositional phrase, emphasizing the action of examining.

in examining

Uses a gerund phrase to highlight the process of examination itself.

as you examine

Shifts to a more direct and personal tone, addressing the reader or listener directly.

on closer inspection

Emphasizes a more detailed and careful review.

in the process of examining

Highlights the duration and active nature of the examination.

when considering

Focuses on a broader sense of thoughtful evaluation rather than strict examination.

as we investigate

Implies a systematic and formal inquiry.

studying

Implies close attention and systematic approach.

analyzing

Emphasizes a structured, analytical approach.

assessing

Implies evaluation for a specific purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "when examining" in a sentence?

Use "when examining" to introduce a situation in which something is being analyzed or reviewed. For example, "When examining the data, we found several anomalies."

What are some alternatives to "when examining"?

You can use alternatives such as "upon examination of", "in examining", or "on closer inspection" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "when examining" or "when investigating"?

Both "when examining" and "when investigating" are valid, but "examining" suggests a more detailed and careful review, while "investigating" implies a more formal or systematic inquiry.

How does the formality of "when examining" compare to other similar phrases?

"When examining" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, phrases like "upon examination of" might be perceived as more formal, while "when looking at" is more informal.