Cool MateExamine vs I've got to frisk you
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Examine
Top 2,000 (common)B1verb
I've got to frisk you
InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: ExamineMost common: Examine
| Examine | I've got to frisk you | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪɡˈzæmɪn/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnz/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnd/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪɡˈzæmɪn/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnz/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnd/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //aɪv ɡɒt tə frɪsk jʊ//🇺🇸 //aɪv ɡɑt tə frɪsk jʊ// |
| Meaning | to look at something carefully to learn more about it | I need to search you for hidden items. |
| Example | The doctor will examine your health thoroughly during the check-up. | I've got to frisk you before you enter the building. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less 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… | frisk for weapons, frisk thoroughly, frisk the suspect |
| 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. | Confused with 'frisking' as a playful action., Used in a formal context, which sounds strange., Assumed to mean 'to touch' rather than 'to search.' |
| 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 informal contexts, often by security personnel or police. Not appropriate in casual conversation. |
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Frequently asked questions: Examine vs I've got to frisk you
What's the difference between Examine and I've got to frisk you?
Examine: to look at something carefully to learn more about it I've got to frisk you: I need to search you for hidden items.
Which is more formal: Examine and I've got to frisk you?
Examine is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Examine and I've got to frisk you?
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. I've got to frisk you: I've got to frisk you before you enter the building.
Can I use Examine and I've got to frisk you interchangeably?
Not always. Examine and I've got to frisk you 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.