Examine vs We're gonna compare

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

Examine

Top 2,000 (common)B1verb

We're gonna compare

InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Examine
 ExamineWe're gonna compare
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/ɪɡˈzæmɪn/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnz/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnd/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪɡˈzæmɪn/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnz/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnd/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 //wəːr ˈgɒnə kəmˈpeə//🇺🇸 //wɪr ˈgɑːnə kəmˈpɛr//
Meaningto look at something carefully to learn more about itWe're going to look at two or more things to see how they are different or similar.
ExampleThe doctor will examine your health thoroughly during the check-up.We're gonna compare our projects to see which one is better.
RegisterNeutralInformal
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 2,000 (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…compare notes, compare prices, compare results, compare options
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.Using 'compare' without specifying what is being compared., 'Gonna' with a different subject like 'I' instead of 'we'., Misplacing the phrase, making it unclear what is being compared.
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 casual conversations. Avoid in formal writing or speeches. Best used when discussing plans or analyses.

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We're gonna compare

Frequently asked questions: Examine vs We're gonna compare

What's the difference between Examine and We're gonna compare?

Examine: to look at something carefully to learn more about it We're gonna compare: We're going to look at two or more things to see how they are different or similar.

Which is more formal: Examine and We're gonna compare?

Examine is the most formal of these.

Can you show an example of each?

Examine: The doctor will examine your health thoroughly during the check-up. We're gonna compare: We're gonna compare our projects to see which one is better.

Can I use Examine and We're gonna compare interchangeably?

Not always. Examine and We're gonna compare 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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