examining

IPA/ɪɡˈzæm.ɪn/
KK[ɪɡzˈæmɪnɪŋ]IPA/ɪɡˈzæm.ɪn/

examining — verb

  • examiningpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • examinings3rd person singular
  • examininging-ing form
  • examiningedpast simple

1. to look at someone or something with great care and attention, usually to find p

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

to look at someone or something with great care and attention, usually to find problems, mistakes, or useful information.

例句

The mechanic spent the morning examining the engine for any signs of damage.

examining + noun + for + noun (searching for problems)

Before buying the house, Dario spent two hours examining every room carefully.

同義詞
  • inspect

    often focuses on checking against standards or for defects; slightly more official

  • scrutinize

    implies looking extremely closely, often with suspicion; stronger than examine

  • analyze

    focuses on breaking down into parts to understand structure or meaning

反義詞
  • ignore

    to deliberately pay no attention to

  • overlook

    to fail to notice, whether by accident or on purpose

文法句型

examine + noun phrase

examine + noun phrase + for + noun phrase

examine + wh-clause

用法筆記

Often used with the preposition 'for' to introduce what is being looked for. The subject can also be a system or machine, not only a person (e.g., 'The scanner is examining the luggage').

常見錯誤

❌I examined to the report carefully.
✅I examined the report carefully.
💡'examine' is transitive and does not take a preposition before its object.
❌The police examined at the scene.
✅The police examined the scene carefully.
💡'examine' needs a direct object; use 'looked at' if you want an intransitive structure.

2. to give a formal test to someone to measure their knowledge or ability in a give

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to give a formal test to someone to measure their knowledge or ability in a given field of study.

例句

The university will be examining students in both French and mathematics in June.

examining + students in + subject area

Ayesha felt nervous about being examined on Shakespeare's plays.

passive: being examined on + specific topic

同義詞
  • test

    broader and less formal; can be written, oral, or practical

  • assess

    focuses on evaluating overall ability or progress rather than a single test

  • quiz

    informal and usually short; often used for quick checks

文法句型

examine + student + in + subject area

examine + student + on + specific topic

be examined (passive) + in/on + topic

用法筆記

Frequently used in the passive when describing the person being tested. The preposition 'in' introduces the broad subject area ('examined in physics'), while 'on' introduces specific topics ('examined on cell division'). In everyday British English, 'test' or 'assess' is more common; 'examine' sounds more formal.

常見錯誤

❌The teacher examined about the history.
✅The teacher examined the students on their knowledge of history.
💡You must specify who is being examined and add a preposition for the topic.

3. to ask someone a series of detailed questions in a formal situation such as a co

3.動詞及物C1
釋義

to ask someone a series of detailed questions in a formal situation such as a court of law or an official investigation.

例句

The lawyer spent the whole morning examining the witness about the night of the robbery.

examining + witness + about + topic

Aaron was examined for over an hour by the prosecution team.

passive: be examined + by + legal party

同義詞
  • interrogate

    stronger and more aggressive; often used in police or military contexts

  • question

    neutral and general; suitable in both everyday and formal settings

  • cross-examine

    specific legal term for questioning the other side's witness

文法句型

examine + witness + about + noun phrase

examine + suspect + on + noun phrase

be examined (passive) + by + legal party

用法筆記

This sense belongs to formal legal discourse. In everyday conversation, 'question' or 'ask' is more natural. The compound verb 'cross-examine' is the specific legal term for questioning a witness called by the opposing side, and it carries stricter procedural rules.