withstand examination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "withstand examination" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability of something, such as a theory, argument, or evidence, to endure scrutiny or analysis. Example: "The research findings must be robust enough to withstand examination by peer reviewers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Yet it can also withstand examination as prose fiction.

The Guardian - Books

He privately made it clear to his followers, however, that his conversion was more tactical than principled: "To scorn universal suffrage," he said, "does not withstand examination.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Neither claim withstands examination.

The New Yorker

While there was indeed much to deplore about the process inflicted on IBM, most of all its grotesque length, neither assertion withstands examination.

The Economist

Re-examination of these kinases reveals claimed novel arrangements cannot withstand scrutiny; each is either not novel or represents over-analysis of weakly confident computer generated gene models.

BMC Genomics

The truth can withstand scrutiny.

Huffington Post

His naïve explanation could not long withstand critical examination.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Part of it was that his self-touted record of accomplishment was unable to withstand close examination, but another part was that he was prone to asking journalists whether they'd heard the one about two peanuts walking down the street: "One of them was a salted".

The New Yorker

I did not want to worry her," he says with a logic that probably does not withstand closer examination.

BBC

None of these is likely to withstand deeper examination.

Huffington Post

This uncritical use of "bioavailability" has no value in objective nutritional risk assessment and cannot be expected to withstand forensic examination.

European Journal of Nutrition

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "withstand examination", ensure that the subject you are referring to is robust and well-supported by evidence or reasoning. It implies a rigorous test of validity.

Common error

Avoid using "withstand examination" when describing something that doesn't require in-depth analysis. Overusing it can sound pretentious or unnecessarily complex. Choose simpler phrases for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "withstand examination" functions as a verb phrase, often used to describe the ability of a concept, argument, or object to endure rigorous testing or analysis. Ludwig AI shows that it implies a robustness and validity that remains intact after scrutiny.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "withstand examination" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression indicating the ability of something to endure and remain valid under rigorous testing or analysis. Ludwig AI confirms that it appears across diverse contexts such as news, science, and encyclopedias, reflecting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure that it aligns with something robust and deserving scrutiny, avoiding overuse in trivial scenarios. Alternatives like "hold up to scrutiny" or "endure analysis" may provide a more nuanced fit depending on the specific communicative goal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold up to scrutiny

This alternative emphasizes the ability to endure close inspection and critical assessment.

stand up to scrutiny

Similar to "hold up to scrutiny", this suggests a capacity to resist negative findings under review.

endure analysis

This focuses on the ability to last through detailed and systematic evaluation.

bear investigation

This highlights the capacity to endure a formal or systematic inquiry.

pass the test

This implies successfully meeting a specific criterion or standard under evaluation.

prove valid under scrutiny

This emphasizes the demonstration of correctness or accuracy even when closely examined.

resist critical analysis

This focuses on the ability to not be disproven by intense analytical methods.

remain valid under review

This suggests sustained correctness even after being formally assessed.

hold water

This is an idiomatic expression meaning to appear sound or logical when assessed.

survive scrutiny

This implies that something manages to continue existing in its original state during the review process.

FAQs

What does it mean for something to "withstand examination"?

For something to "withstand examination" means that it can endure and remain valid or credible even after being subjected to thorough scrutiny, analysis, or testing.

How can I use "withstand examination" in a sentence?

You can use "withstand examination" to describe a theory, argument, or piece of evidence that is strong and well-supported, such as: "The hypothesis must be robust enough to withstand examination by peer reviewers."

What are some alternatives to "withstand examination"?

Alternatives to "withstand examination" include "hold up to scrutiny", "stand up to scrutiny", or "endure analysis", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "withstand examination" or "withstand scrutiny"?

Both "withstand examination" and "withstand scrutiny" are correct and often interchangeable. "Examination" implies a more formal or detailed analysis, while "scrutiny" suggests a more critical or skeptical assessment. Choose the phrase that best fits the specific context.