Upon closer examination
Argumentation and critical discussion expression
Use this phrase to introduce a discovery that contradicts or adds detail to your first impression.
15秒了解
- Used when a second look reveals a new, different truth.
- Perfect for correcting a first impression with evidence.
- Sounds professional, analytical, and very intelligent.
意思
This phrase describes the moment you look at something more carefully and realize your first impression was wrong. It is like zooming in on a photo and seeing a detail you missed before.
关键例句
3 / 6Reviewing a business contract
Upon closer examination, the contract includes a hidden fee we missed.
Upon closer examination, the contract includes a hidden fee we missed.
Looking at a friend's new 'designer' bag
It looked real, but upon closer examination, the stitching was quite messy.
It looked real, but upon closer examination, the stitching was quite messy.
Analyzing a painting at a museum
Upon closer examination, you can see the artist's tiny signature in the corner.
Upon closer examination, you can see the artist's tiny signature in the corner.
文化背景
This expression is deeply rooted in the Western scientific method and the Enlightenment era's focus on objective observation. It rose to prominence in 19th-century literature, particularly in detective fiction like Sherlock Holmes, where 'looking closer' was the key to solving mysteries. Today, it remains a staple of academic and legal English, signaling a commitment to accuracy over initial assumptions.
The 'Detective' Effect
Use this phrase when you want to sound like you've done your homework. It makes people trust your conclusion more.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for every tiny thing, you might sound a bit pretentious or 'too much.' Save it for significant corrections.
15秒了解
- Used when a second look reveals a new, different truth.
- Perfect for correcting a first impression with evidence.
- Sounds professional, analytical, and very intelligent.
What It Means
Upon closer examination is a sophisticated way to say 'now that I am looking carefully.' It signals a shift in perspective. You thought one thing at first. Now, after checking the details, you see the truth. It is the verbal equivalent of putting on your glasses to read the fine print.
How To Use It
Place this phrase at the start of your sentence to set the stage. It acts as a bridge between a surface-level observation and a deeper truth. Use it when you find a flaw, a hidden beauty, or a surprising fact. It usually follows a comma. For example: Upon closer examination, the 'diamond' was actually just glass. It makes you sound analytical and observant.
When To Use It
You can use this in professional meetings to point out data errors. It works great when discussing art, movies, or complex books. Use it at home when you realize that 'stain' on the rug is actually just a shadow. It is perfect for any moment where 'looking' becomes 'studying.'
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this during high-intensity emotional arguments. Saying Upon closer examination, your logic is flawed to a crying partner is a bad move. Do not use it for very obvious things. If a house is literally on fire, do not say it. It is too slow and academic for emergencies. Keep it for moments that require a bit of 'detective work.'
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the English tradition of empirical observation and scientific inquiry. It reflects a culture that values evidence over gut feelings. It became popular in detective novels and academic papers. It suggests that the speaker is a careful, rational thinker. It is a hallmark of the 'gentleman scholar' or the meticulous professional.
Common Variations
You might hear On closer inspection or At a closer look. These are slightly less formal but mean the same thing. If you want to sound very academic, you can use Upon more detailed analysis. In casual speech, people often just say Actually, looking closer... but Upon closer examination adds a touch of class to your storytelling.
使用说明
This phrase is highly formal but versatile. It is most effective when used to introduce a surprising or detailed discovery that contradicts a simple first impression.
The 'Detective' Effect
Use this phrase when you want to sound like you've done your homework. It makes people trust your conclusion more.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for every tiny thing, you might sound a bit pretentious or 'too much.' Save it for significant corrections.
The Sarcastic Twist
In the UK and US, people sometimes use this sarcastically. For example, if a friend is wearing a ridiculous outfit, saying `Upon closer examination, that hat is... interesting` is a polite way of being funny.
例句
6Upon closer examination, the contract includes a hidden fee we missed.
Upon closer examination, the contract includes a hidden fee we missed.
Used here to point out a professional oversight.
It looked real, but upon closer examination, the stitching was quite messy.
It looked real, but upon closer examination, the stitching was quite messy.
A polite way to point out a fake item.
Upon closer examination, you can see the artist's tiny signature in the corner.
Upon closer examination, you can see the artist's tiny signature in the corner.
Used to share a discovery about art.
Wait, upon closer examination of that meme, it’s actually not funny at all.
Wait, upon closer examination of that meme, it’s actually not funny at all.
Using a formal phrase for a silly topic creates humor.
Upon closer examination of our last fight, I realize I was being a bit sensitive.
Upon closer examination of our last fight, I realize I was being a bit sensitive.
Used for self-reflection and admitting a mistake.
I thought it was snowing, but upon closer examination, it's just heavy rain.
I thought it was snowing, but upon closer examination, it's just heavy rain.
A common everyday correction of an observation.
自我测试
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence where a detail was discovered late.
I thought the car was black, but ___, it is actually a very dark green.
The speaker is correcting a first impression after looking more carefully.
Which phrase fits a formal report about a data error?
___ of the quarterly results, we found a small accounting error.
This phrase provides the necessary professional tone for a formal report.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Formality Spectrum of 'Closer Look' Phrases
Used with friends for simple things.
Looking closer...
Good for work or daily life.
On closer inspection...
Academic, legal, or professional settings.
Upon closer examination...
When to use 'Upon Closer Examination'
Art Gallery
Noticing brush strokes
Office Meeting
Finding a typo in a report
Online Shopping
Realizing a product is small
Crime Scene
Finding a hidden clue
常见问题
10 个问题Both are correct! Upon closer examination is slightly more formal and traditional, while On closer examination is common in modern writing.
Absolutely. It is a perfect transition phrase for academic writing when you are about to analyze a specific piece of evidence.
No, you can examine ideas, theories, or behaviors. For example: Upon closer examination of his argument, I found several flaws.
Usually, yes. However, you can use it ironically with friends to sound like a fancy professor for a joke.
Examination feels more analytical or scientific, while inspection often implies looking for damage or errors (like a house inspection).
Yes, After closer examination is very natural and slightly more common in casual conversation than upon.
Yes, it is widely used in all major English dialects, including British, American, and Australian English.
Not always, but it usually implies that the first look wasn't enough to see the whole truth.
It's rare. It almost always comes at the beginning to introduce the new information: Upon closer examination, it was broken.
Forgetting the comma. Always put a comma after the phrase if it starts the sentence: Upon closer examination, [comma] the results changed.
相关表达
On second thought
Used when you change your mind about a decision.
At first glance
The opposite; describes the initial, potentially wrong impression.
To scrutinize
The verb form of looking very, very closely at something.
Upon further review
Common in sports when a referee looks at a replay to change a call.
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