while inspecting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "while inspecting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an action is taking place simultaneously with the act of inspecting something. Example: "The technician found several issues while inspecting the machinery for maintenance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Big enough to have been chased out of Stephen Sondheim's backyard on the East Side (while inspecting a window) by Mr. Sondheim's neighbor, Katharine Hepburn.

The New York Times

One inspector negotiated a job with a company while inspecting its platforms.

The New York Times

One day, while inspecting belowdecks, Aliabadi discovered a leak in the hull.

The New Yorker

While inspecting my hotel room, I found a single, live bedbug.

The New York Times - Magazine

While inspecting the facility, the representative noticed that important equipment was missing, including a sonogram machine.

The New Yorker

Earlier in 1844 he had narrowly escaped death while inspecting the USS Princeton.

Independent

While inspecting the building on July 25 , 1186 Hugh de Lacy was decapitated by an assassin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Seven months before the breakthrough, he'd collapsed from a stroke while inspecting the tunnel.

The New Yorker

Dr. Huchra discovered the formation while inspecting data from the survey in 1985.

The New York Times

Another patient sat upright, turning over his hands while inspecting them as if searching for clues.

The Guardian - Books

During the ceremony, Sir Nils paraded along the zoo's penguin walk, while inspecting the guard.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To maintain clarity, avoid long or complex sentences with multiple "while inspecting" clauses. Break them down for better readability.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by placing the "while inspecting" phrase close to the subject performing the action. Incorrect: "While inspecting, the report showed several defects." Correct: "While inspecting the equipment, the engineer noted several defects in the report."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while inspecting" functions as an adverbial clause of time, indicating that an action occurred concurrently with the act of inspection. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase introduces a temporal relationship between two events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "while inspecting" functions as an adverbial clause indicating a concurrent action during an examination. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It appears most frequently in news and media sources, maintaining a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal contexts. When using this phrase, ensure correct placement to avoid misplaced modifiers and maintain sentence clarity. Alternatives like "during inspection" or "upon inspecting" offer variations in formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during inspection

Replaces a conjunction with a preposition, changing the sentence structure slightly to focus on the inspection as an event.

as one inspects

Emphasizes the act of inspecting as it occurs, adding a sense of present action and generality.

upon inspecting

Suggests that the action follows immediately after the inspection occurs, creating a sense of direct consequence.

in the process of inspecting

Highlights the ongoing nature of the inspection, emphasizing the continuous action.

while carrying out an inspection

Formally specifies the activity as a defined procedure.

as I looked over

Uses a more casual phrasal verb to describe a quick observation.

during the examination

Substitutes "inspection" with a synonym and uses a prepositional phrase.

during surveillance

Implies a more watchful or security-oriented observation.

as he surveyed

Implies a broad, comprehensive look, often over a large area.

while under scrutiny

Shifts the focus to being examined rather than actively examining.

FAQs

How can I use "while inspecting" in a sentence?

Use "while inspecting" to indicate an action taken concurrently with the act of inspection. For example, "The technician identified several issues "while inspecting" the machinery."

What are some alternatives to "while inspecting"?

Alternatives include phrases like "during inspection", "as one inspects", or "upon inspecting", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is it more formal to say "during the inspection" instead of "while inspecting"?

Yes, "during the inspection" is generally more formal. "While inspecting" is suitable for most contexts, but formal reports may benefit from the more structured phrasing of "during the inspection".

What is the correct grammatical structure when using "while inspecting"?

Ensure that the main clause that follows clearly indicates the result or action that occurred during the inspection. For example, "While inspecting the bridge, engineers discovered cracks in the support beams."