Examine vs Will you look into the mirror

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

Examine

Top 2,000 (common)B1verb

Will you look into the mirror

Top 2,000 (common)
 ExamineWill you look into the mirror
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/ɪɡˈzæmɪn/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnz/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnd/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪɡˈzæmɪn/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnz/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnd/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 //wɪl juː lʊk ˈɪntuː ðə ˈmɪrə//🇺🇸 //wɪl jʊ lʊk ˈɪntu ðə ˈmɪrʌr//
Meaningto look at something carefully to learn more about itAre you going to check your reflection?
ExampleThe doctor will examine your health thoroughly during the check-up.Before you leave, will you look into the mirror?
RegisterNeutralNeutral
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…look into the mirror, look in the mirror, check your appearance in the mirror
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 'will you look for the mirror?', Omitting 'the' before 'mirror'.
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 someone is being asked to examine themselves. Avoid in very formal situations.

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Will you look into the mirror

Frequently asked questions: Examine vs Will you look into the mirror

What's the difference between Examine and Will you look into the mirror?

Examine: to look at something carefully to learn more about it Will you look into the mirror: Are you going to check your reflection?

Can you show an example of each?

Examine: The doctor will examine your health thoroughly during the check-up. Will you look into the mirror: Before you leave, will you look into the mirror?

Can I use Examine and Will you look into the mirror interchangeably?

Not always. Examine and Will you look into the mirror 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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