What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
inspection
Example
The mechanic performed an inspection of the car's engine. [inspection: noun]
Example
The health inspector came to inspect the restaurant's kitchen. [inspect: verb]
survey
Example
The company conducted a survey to gather feedback from its customers. [survey: noun]
Example
We surveyed the damage caused by the storm. [surveyed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Inspection is more commonly used in technical or specialized fields such as construction, manufacturing, and safety inspections. Survey is more commonly used in research, marketing, and social sciences.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between inspection and survey?
Inspection is often associated with a formal or official process, while survey can be used in both formal and informal contexts.