What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
perused
Example
I perused the menu at the restaurant, trying to decide what to order. [perused: past tense]
Example
She perused the newspaper while sipping her coffee. [perused: verb]
scrutinize
Example
The accountant scrutinized the financial report to ensure its accuracy. [scrutinized: past tense]
Example
He scrutinized the painting for any imperfections before presenting it to the art gallery. [scrutinized: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Peruse is less common than scrutinize in everyday language. Scrutinize is more versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while peruse is less commonly used and may be perceived as outdated or formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between perused and scrutinize?
Scrutinize is more formal than peruse, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Scrutinize is often used in professional or academic settings, while peruse may be more appropriate in casual or personal contexts.
