withstand scrutiny

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "withstand scrutiny" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been carefully examined and does not have any faults or weaknesses. For example: "The company's financials have been thoroughly examined and are known to withstand scrutiny."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

None can withstand scrutiny.

Cornell University

Neither of these distinctions can withstand scrutiny.

Cornell University

This analysis does not withstand scrutiny.

Cornell University

Ratliff's contrary argument does not withstand scrutiny.

Harvard University

This attempt at distinction cannot withstand scrutiny.

Cornell University

But these accusations don't withstand scrutiny.

The New York Times

Their calculations will withstand scrutiny, they say.

The Guardian

However, his critique of the keys system cannot withstand scrutiny.

The New York Times

And can the Tories' own policies withstand scrutiny?

The Guardian - Opinion

If this claim just cannot withstand scrutiny, the central argument of his campaign is just vaporized.

The New Yorker

"As we've said previously, the S.E.C.'s allegations are totally baseless and cannot withstand scrutiny".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "withstand scrutiny", ensure that the subject has already been, or will be, thoroughly examined. This strengthens the credibility of your statement.

Common error

Avoid claiming something can "withstand scrutiny" without demonstrating evidence or providing context for its strength. Unsupported claims can damage your argument's persuasiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "withstand scrutiny" functions as a verb phrase where "withstand" is the verb and "scrutiny" is the noun acting as the direct object. It describes the ability of something to endure a thorough examination. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

37%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "withstand scrutiny" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, primarily within academic and news contexts. As Ludwig AI states, this indicates that it is well-regarded in the English language. It conveys that something is robust and can endure thorough examination. When using this phrase, make sure to consider the level of formality required and ensure that you can back up your claim with evidence. Alternatives like "hold up to examination" or "stand up to investigation" can offer slightly different nuances depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold up to examination

This alternative emphasizes the process of being examined and remaining valid.

stand up to investigation

This alternative highlights the act of investigating and the subject's ability to endure it.

prove to be sound

This alternative focuses on the outcome of an evaluation, emphasizing the subject's reliability.

bear critical analysis

This emphasizes the ability to endure rigorous and critical analysis.

endure rigorous review

This highlights the intensity of the review process and the subject's capability to last through it.

pass the test of validity

This alternative underscores the subject's ability to meet established standards.

remain unchallenged

This focuses on the lack of opposition or dispute after examination.

emerge unscathed from inspection

This alternative conveys that the subject remains unharmed or unaffected by the inspection.

be resistant to criticism

This stresses the capacity to not be affected negatively by critical comments.

validate under close observation

This alternative emphasizes confirmation of truth or accuracy during careful watching.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "withstand scrutiny" in a sentence?

Use "withstand scrutiny" to emphasize that something has been thoroughly examined and found to be valid. For example, "The research methodology is robust enough to "stand up to scrutiny"".

What are some alternatives to "withstand scrutiny" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "hold up to examination", "stand up to investigation", or "prove to be sound".

Which is more appropriate: "withstand scrutiny" or "survive scrutiny"?

"Withstand scrutiny" and "survive scrutiny" are similar, but "withstand scrutiny" suggests a more active resistance to examination, while "survive scrutiny" implies merely enduring it.

What does it mean when someone says something 'cannot withstand scrutiny'?

If something 'cannot withstand scrutiny', it means that upon close examination, it's likely to be found flawed, inaccurate, or unreliable. It suggests the subject is weak or deficient in some way.