What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
checking
Example
I am checking my email to see if I received any important messages. [checking: present participle]
Example
The teacher is checking the students' homework to make sure they completed it correctly. [checking: gerund]
scrutiny
Example
The document is under scrutiny to determine its authenticity. [scrutiny: noun]
Example
The scientist is scrutinizing the data to find any errors or inconsistencies. [scrutinizing: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Checking is more commonly used than scrutiny in everyday language. Checking is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while scrutiny is less common and tends to be used in more formal or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between checking and scrutiny?
While checking can be used in both formal and informal contexts, scrutiny is generally considered more formal. Scrutiny is often used in professional or academic settings where a higher level of examination or analysis is required.