In 15 Sekunden
- Carefully studying facts to find the truth of a situation.
- Common in professional, legal, and investigative contexts.
- Implies a logical, objective approach rather than using emotions.
Bedeutung
To look very closely at facts or objects to find the truth. It is like being a detective searching for the real story behind a situation.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6In a business meeting
We need to examine evidence of our sales growth before investing more.
We need to look at the proof of our sales growth.
Talking to a friend about a conspiracy theory
If you actually examine evidence, you'll see the moon landing was real.
If you look at the facts, you will see it happened.
A teacher talking to a student
Please examine evidence in the text to support your answer.
Look at the information in the book to prove your point.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The phrase is deeply rooted in the Western legal tradition of 'burden of proof.' It became a household term through the massive popularity of police procedural dramas and true crime podcasts. In modern culture, it is often used playfully to describe investigating small social mysteries, like who ate the last cookie.
The 'Collocation' Secret
In English, `evidence` almost always pairs with `examine`, `study`, or `present`. Using `examine` makes you sound much more like a native speaker than using `look at`.
Don't Pluralize
In English, `evidence` is uncountable. Never say 'evidences.' Even if there are ten clues, you still `examine evidence`.
In 15 Sekunden
- Carefully studying facts to find the truth of a situation.
- Common in professional, legal, and investigative contexts.
- Implies a logical, objective approach rather than using emotions.
What It Means
Imagine you are holding a magnifying glass. You are looking for tiny clues. To examine evidence means you are not just glancing. You are studying details to prove something is true or false. It is about being careful and logical. You want to see the full picture before deciding.
How To Use It
Use this when you need to make a serious decision. You can use it at work or in daily life. Usually, you examine evidence before you give an opinion. It sounds smart and professional. It shows you are not just guessing. You are using your brain and the facts available.
When To Use It
Use it in a meeting when reviewing a project's results. Use it when you are arguing with a friend about a movie theory. It works perfectly when you are trying to solve a mystery. If your cat broke a vase, you might examine evidence like paw prints. It is great for any situation requiring a logical conclusion.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for very simple, obvious things. If you see it is raining, don't say you need to examine evidence. That sounds a bit robotic or too dramatic. Avoid it in very romantic or emotional moments. Saying "I must examine evidence of your love" might get you a weird look. Keep it for facts, not pure feelings.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the world of law and science. English speakers value the idea of being "fair and balanced." We love crime shows like CSI or Sherlock Holmes. Because of this, using detective-like language is very common. It makes the speaker sound objective and trustworthy. It reflects a culture that prizes data and proof.
Common Variations
Review the facts(a bit more casual)Look at the data(very common in offices)Check the proof(simple and direct)Analyze the findings(very academic or scientific)
Nutzungshinweise
This is a neutral to formal collocation. It is highly effective in professional writing and debates, but should be used sparingly in casual conversation unless you are trying to be funny or very serious.
The 'Collocation' Secret
In English, `evidence` almost always pairs with `examine`, `study`, or `present`. Using `examine` makes you sound much more like a native speaker than using `look at`.
Don't Pluralize
In English, `evidence` is uncountable. Never say 'evidences.' Even if there are ten clues, you still `examine evidence`.
The Sherlock Effect
Using this phrase in a low-stakes situation (like finding a missing sock) is a common way English speakers use 'deadpan' humor to act like a detective.
Beispiele
6We need to examine evidence of our sales growth before investing more.
We need to look at the proof of our sales growth.
Used here to suggest a data-driven business decision.
If you actually examine evidence, you'll see the moon landing was real.
If you look at the facts, you will see it happened.
Used to counter an illogical argument with facts.
Please examine evidence in the text to support your answer.
Look at the information in the book to prove your point.
Common in academic settings to encourage critical thinking.
I'm going to examine evidence on his Instagram before I get mad.
I will check his social media for proof first.
A modern, slightly dramatic way to use the phrase.
I have examined evidence—the crumbs on your shirt—and I know you ate my cake.
I saw the crumbs, so I know you are guilty.
Using formal language for a silly situation creates humor.
I'm trying to examine evidence of our progress to stay hopeful.
I am looking for signs that we are doing better.
Used to find objective reasons for an emotional state.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the best word to complete the professional sentence.
The jury must carefully ___ evidence before reaching a verdict.
`Examine` is the correct collocation for evidence in a legal or serious context.
Complete the casual sentence.
Before I believe that rumor, I want to ___ evidence myself.
You examine evidence to verify if a rumor or statement is true.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality of 'Examine Evidence'
Used jokingly with friends.
Let's examine evidence of who left the fridge open.
Standard use for problem solving.
We should examine evidence before choosing a side.
Legal or scientific contexts.
The researchers will examine evidence from the trial.
Where to use 'Examine Evidence'
Courtroom
Lawyers presenting a case.
Office
Analyzing a failed marketing campaign.
Home
Finding out who broke a window.
School
Writing a history essay.
Aufgabensammlung
2 AufgabenThe jury must carefully ___ evidence before reaching a verdict.
`Examine` is the correct collocation for evidence in a legal or serious context.
Before I believe that rumor, I want to ___ evidence myself.
You examine evidence to verify if a rumor or statement is true.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, but it sounds a bit formal or funny. For example, I examined the evidence of the crumbs on the floor sounds like a joke.
Essentially, yes. However, examine implies a much deeper, more careful look than just look at.
Not at all! It is very common in business, science, and even in daily arguments where you want to be logical.
No, that is a common mistake. Evidence is an uncountable noun in English, so it stays singular: examine the evidence.
You could say ignoring the facts or making an assumption.
It sounds confident, not necessarily bossy. It shows you care about the truth rather than just being right.
Be careful! Using it during a fight might make you sound like a lawyer, which can make your partner feel interrogated.
You can say check the facts or see what's really going on.
Yes, it is a strong, active verb that suggests intelligence and focus.
Just change the verb: We examined the evidence and decided to cancel the project.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Look into it
To investigate something informally.
Sift through the data
To look through a large amount of information to find what is important.
Connect the dots
To see the relationship between different pieces of information.
Verify the facts
To make sure that information is definitely true.
