inspection

Everyday

1. An inspection is a careful look at something to check that it is right, safe or in good condition. tree →
2. An inspection is an official visit to check a place, like a school, a restaurant or a car. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life cars, buildings and kitchens have safety inspections; schools have inspections by inspectors (Ofsted in England, ERO in New Zealand). In science, close inspection with a magnifying glass. In stories a sergeant holds a uniform inspection. Phrases: on closer inspection, carry out an inspection, safety inspection, inspection day.

Examples

• The school is having an inspection next week. tree →
• On closer inspection, the "spider" was a bit of fluff. tree →
• The car failed its safety inspection. tree →
• The chef cleaned the kitchen before the inspection. tree →
• Under the magnifying glass, our inspection showed tiny hairs on the leaf. tree →
• The soldiers stood still for inspection. tree →
• Each bike gets a quick inspection before the ride. tree →
• An inspection found 3 broken seats out of 40. tree →
• Khacan, overjoyed at this news, gave orders that the slave should be brought for his inspection on his return from the palace. tree →

Note

Starts with a vowel: "an inspection". Verb: inspect. Person: inspector. "On closer inspection" means when looked at more carefully, often showing something different.