Examine vs Review any old murder files

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Examine

Top 2,000 (common)B1verb

Review any old murder files

Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Most common: Examine
 ExamineReview any old murder files
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/ɪɡˈzæmɪn/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnz/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnd/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪɡˈzæmɪn/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnz/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnd/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 //rɪˈvjuː//🇺🇸 //rɪˈvju//
Meaningto look at something carefully to learn more about itLook at old documents about murders.
ExampleThe doctor will examine your health thoroughly during the check-up.Before closing the case, the team decided to review any old murder files.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Beyond 10,000 (less common)
CEFR levelB1-
Part of speechverb
Collocationscarefully, 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…review files, review evidence, review cases, review documentation, review reports
Antonymsignore, overlook, neglect-
Common mistakesConfused 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.Confused with 'revise' vs 'review'., 'Review' is often used incorrectly with 'of'. Correct is 'review files', not 'review of files'.
Usage notesUse '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.Use in contexts where you're discussing examining old cases, typically in formal or investigative settings. Avoid in casual conversations.

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Review any old murder files

Frequently asked questions: Examine vs Review any old murder files

What's the difference between Examine and Review any old murder files?

Examine: to look at something carefully to learn more about it Review any old murder files: Look at old documents about murders.

Which is more common: Examine and Review any old murder files?

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. Review any old murder files: Before closing the case, the team decided to review any old murder files.

Can I use Examine and Review any old murder files interchangeably?

Not always. Examine and Review any old murder files 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.

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