The above examination

Using 'the above examination' correctly is all about context and flow. You’ve just finished describing a complex process, a data analysis, or a legal review. Now, you need to draw a conclusion or make a statement based on that specific information. That's your cue! You simply follow up with a sentence like, 'The above examination indicates a clear trend.' You use it to refer to a *specific* examination, not just any general idea. It’s a tool for seamless referencing within a document, keeping your writing tight and professional. Think of it as a formal 'as discussed earlier.' It's not for chatting with friends about your weekend plans, unless your friends are, like, super into legal briefs. (No judgment, some people are!)

Alright, let’s be crystal clear: 'The above examination' lives in the very formal lane. You’ll find it chilling out in academic papers, scientific reports, legal documents, and official business communications. Picture a university professor, a lawyer, or a CEO writing a formal memo – that's their natural habitat. You absolutely, positively, would not use this phrase in a text message, a casual email to a colleague, or a social media post. Imagine using it in an Instagram caption: 'My smoothie bowl creation underwent the above examination, and the results are delicious!' Your followers would probably think you’ve been replaced by a robot. It screams 'serious business,' so save it for when you need to sound super buttoned-up and authoritative.

• In a scientific journal: "The histological samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and observed under a high-power microscope. The above examination revealed significant cellular apoptosis in the treated group."
• In a legal brief: "The defendant’s financial records were meticulously scrutinized for any irregularities over the past five years. The above examination uncovered several suspicious transactions."
• In a technical report: "The software module underwent rigorous stress testing across various load conditions. The above examination confirmed the system’s stability under peak usage."
• In a university course syllabus: "Students will complete a comprehensive literature review on sustainable energy sources. The above examination is due by December 1st."
• In an audit report: "All quarterly financial statements were reconciled against bank records and invoices. The above examination showed no material discrepancies."

• When you need to be undeniably precise: You've just laid out complex details, and you don't want any ambiguity about what you're referring to. Bam! 'The above examination' hits the spot.
• In formal written communication: Academic essays, research papers, legal documents, official reports, and technical manuals are its natural home. It adds gravitas.
• To avoid repetition: Instead of writing 'The examination of the data that I just described on page 3 revealed...', you can succinctly say, 'The above examination revealed...'. Efficiency is key!
• To signal a conclusion or outcome: Often, it precedes a statement of findings, results, or consequences stemming directly from the previously detailed scrutiny. It's a signpost for results.

• In casual conversation or informal writing: This phrase would stick out like a tuxedo at a beach party. Avoid it in texts, emails to friends, social media, or chats. Seriously, don't.
• If the 'examination' hasn't actually been described: You can't refer to something 'above' if it isn't, well, above! Make sure the detailed explanation precedes the phrase. It's a chronological thing.
• When 'examination' refers to a test you took: If you're talking about your math test, you wouldn't say 'My score on the above examination was 90%.' You'd just say 'my math exam' or 'my test.' This phrase isn't for personal assessments.
• If you're talking about a future examination: You can't refer to something as 'above' if it hasn't happened yet! This phrase is strictly for past, described actions. Time travel is not included.

While 'the above examination' is quite specific, formal writing has cousins that serve similar referencing purposes:

• The aforementioned study: Often used in academic contexts, very formal.
• The preceding analysis: Another formal option, emphasizes what came immediately before.
• As detailed above: A slightly less stiff, but still formal, way to refer to prior text.
• The foregoing discussion: Frequently found in legal documents.
• Per the earlier review: A bit more approachable, still professional.
• As per the report: Common in business settings.

• Is 'the above examination' used in spoken English? No, almost never. It’s strictly a written phrase, reserved for formal documents where precision is paramount. Using it conversationally would sound very out of place and perhaps a bit robotic.
• Can I use it if the examination was mentioned pages ago? Yes, but sparingly. It’s best when referring to something immediately preceding. If it was many pages ago, it's better to explicitly state, 'As discussed in Section 2.1...' for clarity.
• What’s the difference between 'examination' and 'exam'? 'Examination' (in this context) refers to a detailed scrutiny or investigation. 'Exam' is typically a short form for a test (e.g., a school exam). While an exam *is* a type of examination, the phrase 'the above examination' doesn't usually refer to a school test.
• Can I use 'the below examination'? Grammatically possible, but highly unusual and generally avoided. The convention is 'above' for preceding text. If you want to refer to something coming later, you'd typically say 'the following examination' or 'the examination discussed below'.
• Is it too pompous to use? In the right, formal context, no. It’s expected and appropriate. In informal contexts, yes, absolutely. It's about knowing your audience and the tone of your communication.
• Does 'examination' always mean a test? No. In 'the above examination,' it almost always means a detailed review, analysis, or scrutiny, not a test you take in school. Think 'examine' as in 'to look closely at.'
• Is it plural? 'The above examinations'? Yes, if you've described multiple examinations previously, you can use the plural. For example, 'The above examinations revealed various issues.'
• Can I use it in an email? Only if it's a very formal, official email (e.g., a legal communication or a research update) and you’ve just detailed the examination in the email itself or an attached document.