What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scrutiny
Example
The proposal was subjected to intense scrutiny by the committee. [scrutiny: noun]
Example
The accountant scrutinized the financial statements for any discrepancies. [scrutinized: verb]
surveillance
Example
The police set up surveillance cameras to monitor the area for criminal activity. [surveillance: noun]
Example
The government is conducting surveillance on suspected terrorists. [surveillance: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Surveillance is more commonly used than scrutiny in everyday language, especially in the context of security or privacy concerns. Scrutiny is more commonly used in formal or professional contexts, such as academic or legal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between scrutiny and surveillance?
Scrutiny is typically associated with a formal and professional tone, while surveillance can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the context and purpose.
