في معرض المراجعة
fi ma'rid al-muraja'a
In the course of reviewing
Literally: In the exhibition/display of the review
In 15 Seconds
- A formal way to say 'while reviewing' or 'during evaluation'.
- Common in legal, academic, and professional Arabic writing.
- Uses the metaphor of an 'exhibition' to present findings.
Meaning
Think of this as a sophisticated way to say 'while looking over something' or 'during the evaluation process.' It is used to introduce a specific observation or finding that surfaced while you were carefully checking a document, a situation, or even a period of time.
Key Examples
3 of 7Writing a formal business report
في معرض المراجعة للتقارير السنوية، لاحظنا انخفاضاً في التكاليف.
In the course of reviewing the annual reports, we noticed a decrease in costs.
A lawyer discussing a case
في معرض المراجعة للأدلة، تبين أن المتهم كان غائباً.
In the course of reviewing the evidence, it became clear the defendant was absent.
Texting a colleague about a document
في معرض المراجعة لمسودة المشروع، وجدت بعض الأخطاء المطبعية.
In the course of reviewing the project draft, I found some typos.
Cultural Background
In many Arab countries, legal judgments are written in a highly stylized, rhythmic prose that dates back centuries. 'Fi Ma'rad al-Muraja'ah' is a standard 'bridge' phrase used to move from facts to findings. Arabic academic writing values 'Tawthiq' (documentation). Using this phrase shows that the researcher has performed a 'Muraja'ah' (systematic review), which is a sign of intellectual honesty. In the business world of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), high-level reports often use this phrase to maintain a tone of 'Hiba' (prestige and respect) when presenting to senior leadership. On channels like Al Jazeera, news anchors use this phrase to introduce investigative segments, giving the report a sense of 'official weight.'
The 'Comma' Trick
In writing, place the phrase between two commas after the subject to sound like a native legal expert: 'التقرير، في معرض المراجعة، أكد على...'
Don't Overuse
Using this more than once in a short report makes it look repetitive. Switch to 'أثناء' or 'خلال' for variety.
In 15 Seconds
- A formal way to say 'while reviewing' or 'during evaluation'.
- Common in legal, academic, and professional Arabic writing.
- Uses the metaphor of an 'exhibition' to present findings.
What It Means
Imagine you are walking through an art gallery. Each painting is a detail you are inspecting. That is the essence of في معرض المراجعة. The word معرض usually means an exhibition or a show. When you use it here, you are saying that within the 'space' or 'context' of your review, certain facts are being put on display. It is a high-level, elegant way to signal that what you are about to say is a result of careful analysis. It is not just a casual glance; it is a professional deep dive. You are setting the stage for a discovery.
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase at the very beginning of a sentence. It acts like a formal introduction. Follow it with the subject you were reviewing. For example, في معرض المراجعة للميزانية... (In the course of reviewing the budget...). It flows naturally into a finding or a conclusion. You can also use it to bridge two ideas. If you were talking about a project and want to mention a specific error you found, this phrase is your best friend. It makes the critique sound objective rather than personal.
When To Use It
This is a C2-level powerhouse. Use it when you want to impress in a professional setting. It is perfect for written reports, legal briefs, or academic papers. If you are in a high-stakes meeting and need to point out a flaw, using this phrase softens the blow. It suggests the 'process' found the error, not just your opinion. It is also great for serious journalism. Use it when you want to sound like an expert who has done their homework.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this while hanging out at a café with friends. If you say, 'In the course of reviewing the menu, I decided on fries,' your friends will think you have swallowed a textbook. It is far too stiff for casual daily life. Avoid it in quick text messages unless you are being intentionally ironic or funny. Also, if the review was just a two-second check, this phrase is overkill. It implies a level of depth that a quick glance doesn't have.
Cultural Background
Arabic is a language that loves 'spatial' metaphors. Using معرض (exhibition/gallery) to describe a mental process is a classic example of this. It stems from a tradition of formal rhetoric where ideas are presented as if they were physical objects in a space. In classical literature, scholars would 'display' their arguments. Today, this phrase survives in the world of law and bureaucracy. It reflects the Arab world's respect for formal procedure and the beauty of structured language. It is about giving weight to the act of looking.
Common Variations
You might hear في سياق المراجعة which means 'in the context of the review.' That one is a bit more common and slightly less formal. There is also خلال المراجعة which is the plain 'during the review.' While خلال is functional, it lacks the 'flair' of معرض. If you want to sound even more legalistic, you might see في معرض رده (in the course of his reply). All these variations use the 'exhibition' metaphor to show that a specific point is being highlighted during a larger process.
Usage Notes
This is a C2-level expression primarily found in 'Fusha' (Modern Standard Arabic). It is highly formal and should be reserved for professional, legal, or academic contexts. Using it correctly signals a high level of linguistic competence and an understanding of formal Arabic rhetoric.
The 'Comma' Trick
In writing, place the phrase between two commas after the subject to sound like a native legal expert: 'التقرير، في معرض المراجعة، أكد على...'
Don't Overuse
Using this more than once in a short report makes it look repetitive. Switch to 'أثناء' or 'خلال' for variety.
The Power of Fusha
Using this in a job interview for a high-level position in the Middle East will immediately signal your education and command of the language.
Examples
7في معرض المراجعة للتقارير السنوية، لاحظنا انخفاضاً في التكاليف.
In the course of reviewing the annual reports, we noticed a decrease in costs.
This sounds very professional and objective.
في معرض المراجعة للأدلة، تبين أن المتهم كان غائباً.
In the course of reviewing the evidence, it became clear the defendant was absent.
Standard legal phrasing for presenting a discovery.
في معرض المراجعة لمسودة المشروع، وجدت بعض الأخطاء المطبعية.
In the course of reviewing the project draft, I found some typos.
Slightly high-brow for a text, but works for a serious work chat.
في معرض المراجعة للمطبخ، اكتشفت أنك نسيت غسل الصحون!
In the course of reviewing the kitchen, I discovered you forgot to wash the dishes!
Using such a formal phrase for a mundane task creates a funny, mock-serious tone.
في معرض المراجعة لهذا الكتاب، نجد أن الكاتب أغفل حقائق تاريخية.
In the course of reviewing this book, we find that the author overlooked historical facts.
Perfect for literary or academic criticism.
في معرض المراجعة لسنواتنا معاً، أدركت كم كنا مختلفين.
In the course of reviewing our years together, I realized how different we were.
Adds a sense of heavy, serious reflection to a personal topic.
في معرض المراجعة للفيلم، أعتقد أن النهاية كانت ضعيفة.
In the course of reviewing the film, I think the ending was weak.
Makes you sound like a professional movie critic.
Test Yourself
Complete the formal sentence using the correct phrase.
أشار المحامي إلى وجود أدلة جديدة، ______ للقضية.
The context is a legal case, requiring the formal 'in the context of the review.'
Which sentence uses the phrase in the correct register?
Select the appropriate usage:
Financial audits are the correct formal context for this phrase.
Match the phrase to the most likely document it would appear in.
Where would you find 'في معرض المراجعة'?
Legal verdicts require the high-level formal register this phrase provides.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesأشار المحامي إلى وجود أدلة جديدة، ______ للقضية.
The context is a legal case, requiring the formal 'in the context of the review.'
Select the appropriate usage:
Financial audits are the correct formal context for this phrase.
Where would you find 'في معرض المراجعة'?
Legal verdicts require the high-level formal register this phrase provides.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsOnly if the email is a formal report. For a quick check-in, it's too heavy.
In modern Arabic, yes, but in this idiom, it means 'context' or 'scope.'
'Athna'a' just means 'during' (time). 'Fi Ma'rad' implies 'in the official capacity of' (context).
No, the idiom is always used in the singular.
Related Phrases
في سياق متصل
similarIn a related context
بناءً على ما تقدم
builds onBased on the foregoing
من خلال التدقيق
synonymThrough auditing
على هامش المراجعة
contrastOn the sidelines of the review
