Upon further scrutiny
Argumentation and critical discussion expression
Literalmente: On top of further detailed examination
Use this to sound authoritative when correcting a previous observation based on new, detailed evidence.
Em 15 segundos
- Changing your opinion after a very careful second look.
- A sophisticated way to correct a first impression.
- Used when details reveal a truth that wasn't obvious before.
Significado
This phrase describes the moment you change your mind after looking at something much more closely. It means that while something seemed one way at first, a deeper check revealed the truth.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Checking a restaurant bill
The total seemed high, and upon further scrutiny, I realized they charged us for two extra desserts.
The total seemed high, and upon further scrutiny, I realized they charged us for two extra desserts.
Reviewing a friend's 'vintage' purchase
It looked like an original 70s jacket, but upon further scrutiny, the tag says 'Made in 2022'.
It looked like an original 70s jacket, but upon further scrutiny, the tag says 'Made in 2022'.
Correcting a work email
Upon further scrutiny of the contract, we need to adjust clause four.
Upon further scrutiny of the contract, we need to adjust clause four.
Contexto cultural
The word 'scrutiny' comes from the Latin 'scrutari,' which means to search even among trash. It reflects a Western cultural value of skepticism and the scientific method—not taking things at face value. In modern English, it is often used by journalists and politicians to sound objective during investigations.
The 'Detective' Effect
Use this phrase when you want to sound like you've done a very thorough job. It makes you sound reliable and detail-oriented.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for every tiny thing, you might sound a bit arrogant or 'stiff.' Save it for things that actually require effort to see.
Em 15 segundos
- Changing your opinion after a very careful second look.
- A sophisticated way to correct a first impression.
- Used when details reveal a truth that wasn't obvious before.
What It Means
Imagine you see a 'diamond' ring at a flea market. At first glance, it sparkles beautifully. But then you take out a magnifying glass. You notice a tiny scratch that proves it is just glass. That moment of realization is upon further scrutiny. It is the transition from a quick guess to a solid fact. You are telling people that your first impression was wrong. You have done the homework now.
How To Use It
You usually place this at the start of a sentence. It acts like a bridge between a mistake and a correction. You can use it when you find a typo in a report. You can use it when you realize a 'sale' price is actually a rip-off. It sounds very smart and deliberate. It shows you are someone who pays attention to the small stuff. Use it when you want to sound like a detective or an expert.
When To Use It
Use it in the office when reviewing a contract. Use it at home when a recipe looks easy but is actually impossible. It is perfect for those 'Wait a minute...' moments in life. If you are debating a friend about a movie plot, use this to win. It adds a layer of authority to your argument. It is great for academic writing or serious emails. Even in casual talk, it can be used for a funny, dramatic effect.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for very simple, obvious things. If you see it is raining, don't say upon further scrutiny, it is wet. That sounds robotic and strange. Avoid it in high-energy, emotional arguments where speed is key. It is a slow, thoughtful phrase. Don't use it if you haven't actually looked closer. If you are just guessing, stick to maybe or perhaps. It requires a 'check' to have happened.
Cultural Background
English speakers love the idea of being 'thorough.' Our legal and scientific history is built on the concept of 'due diligence.' This phrase comes from that world of law and logic. It suggests that the speaker is objective and fair. It became popular because it sounds more professional than saying 'I messed up.' It shifts the focus from your mistake to the new information you found.
Common Variations
On closer inspection(Very common and slightly softer)After a more detailed look(More conversational)Upon closer examination(Very formal and scientific)Under the microscope(Metaphorical and intense)Looking back at the data(Specific to work or math)
Notas de uso
This is a high-level (C2) expression. It is most at home in written reports, legal discussions, or formal debates. In casual speech, use it sparingly to avoid sounding overly 'academic' unless you are being intentionally funny.
The 'Detective' Effect
Use this phrase when you want to sound like you've done a very thorough job. It makes you sound reliable and detail-oriented.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for every tiny thing, you might sound a bit arrogant or 'stiff.' Save it for things that actually require effort to see.
The Sarcastic Scrutiny
Native speakers sometimes use this sarcastically. If a friend makes a very obvious mistake, saying 'Upon further scrutiny, you forgot your shoes' is a funny way to tease them.
Exemplos
6The total seemed high, and upon further scrutiny, I realized they charged us for two extra desserts.
The total seemed high, and upon further scrutiny, I realized they charged us for two extra desserts.
Used here to point out a specific error found after checking the math.
It looked like an original 70s jacket, but upon further scrutiny, the tag says 'Made in 2022'.
It looked like an original 70s jacket, but upon further scrutiny, the tag says 'Made in 2022'.
A polite way to break bad news about a fake item.
Upon further scrutiny of the contract, we need to adjust clause four.
Upon further scrutiny of the contract, we need to adjust clause four.
Standard professional usage for legal or business documents.
I thought that was a dog in your photo, but upon further scrutiny, it's just a very hairy bush.
I thought that was a dog in your photo, but upon further scrutiny, it's just a very hairy bush.
Adds a touch of mock-seriousness to a funny observation.
The plan seemed perfect, but upon further scrutiny, our goals just don't align.
The plan seemed perfect, but upon further scrutiny, our goals just don't align.
Used to describe a deep, serious realization about a life situation.
Upon further scrutiny, I saw the coin hidden in his palm the whole time.
Upon further scrutiny, I saw the coin hidden in his palm the whole time.
Describes the moment the 'mystery' is solved by careful watching.
Teste-se
Choose the best phrase to complete the professional observation.
The painting appeared to be a masterpiece, but ___ , the brushwork was inconsistent.
This phrase is the most appropriate for a detailed, critical observation of art or quality.
Complete the sentence to show you found a mistake in a document.
I initially approved the budget, but ___ of the spreadsheet, I found a $500 error.
Checking a spreadsheet for errors is a classic example of 'scrutiny'.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
From Casual to Formal
Looking again
On second thought...
Checking details
On closer inspection...
Academic/Legal review
Upon further scrutiny...
Where to use Scrutiny
Legal Documents
Finding a hidden loop-hole.
Art & Antiques
Spotting a fake signature.
Scientific Data
Noticing a trend in the numbers.
Social Media
Realizing a photo is photoshopped.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasIt means a very careful and critical observation or examination. Think of it as looking at something with a magnifying glass to find tiny flaws.
Not quite. On second thought is for changing your mind about a choice. Upon further scrutiny is for changing your mind because you found new facts.
Yes, but it will sound formal or slightly humorous. It's like wearing a suit to a backyard BBQ—sometimes it's a 'look,' but usually it's a bit much.
You can use on instead of upon (e.g., 'On further scrutiny'), but upon is the traditional, more sophisticated version.
Both! It is a standard academic and professional phrase across the entire English-speaking world.
Yes, you can say a person's story 'didn't hold up upon further scrutiny.' This means when you checked their facts, they were lying.
Using it when you only looked at something for one second. Scrutiny implies time and effort were spent.
It is perfect for business. It shows you are diligent and didn't just rush through your work.
It is pronounced 'SKROO-tuh-nee.' The emphasis is on the first syllable.
They are almost identical. Scrutiny feels slightly more intense and critical than inspection.
Frases relacionadas
On closer inspection
Looking at something more carefully to see details.
Under review
Being officially examined or considered.
To give something a once-over
A quick, informal look at something (the opposite of scrutiny).
To pore over
To spend a long time reading or looking at something very closely.
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