Cool MateExamine vs Let's break it down
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Examine
Top 2,000 (common)B1verb
Let's break it down
InformalTop 5,000 (fairly common)
Most formal: ExamineMost common: Examine
| Examine | Let's break it down | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪɡˈzæmɪn/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnz/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnd/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪɡˈzæmɪn/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnz/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnd/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //lɛts breɪk ɪt daʊn//🇺🇸 //lɛts breɪk ɪt daʊn// |
| Meaning | to look at something carefully to learn more about it | Let's analyze this step by step. |
| Example | The doctor will examine your health thoroughly during the check-up. | Let's break it down to understand the core principles involved. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | carefully, closely, in detail, aim to, attempt to, be designed to, for, let us examine…, carefully, closely, in detail, aim to, attempt to, be designed to, for, let us examine… | break it down into parts, break it down step by step, let's break it down further |
| Antonyms | ignore, overlook, neglect | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'inspect' — 'examine' is broader than just checking for flaws., Misusing the tense — should use 'examined' for past actions, not 'examine'., Incorrect prepositions — do not say 'examine to' but 'examine for' in some contexts. | Misuse in formal contexts, making it sound unprofessional., Incorrectly using it as 'let's break it up,' which changes the meaning., Overusing in minor discussions where detailed analysis isn't needed. |
| Usage notes | Use 'examine' in formal contexts like academic writing or professional discussions. It may sound out of place in casual conversations, where 'look at' might be preferred. | Used in casual conversation or collaboration to explain complex ideas in simpler parts. Avoid in formal settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: Examine vs Let's break it down
What's the difference between Examine and Let's break it down?
Examine: to look at something carefully to learn more about it Let's break it down: Let's analyze this step by step.
Which is more formal: Examine and Let's break it down?
Examine is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Examine and Let's break it down?
Examine is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Examine: The doctor will examine your health thoroughly during the check-up. Let's break it down: Let's break it down to understand the core principles involved.
Can I use Examine and Let's break it down interchangeably?
Not always. Examine and Let's break it down are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.