Top 29 Slang For Inspect – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to exploring the world of slang, “inspect” is a term that’s gaining popularity and making its mark. Curious about what it means and how to use it? Look no further! Our team has put together a list of the top slang terms for “inspect” that will keep you in the loop and ahead of the curve. Get ready to upgrade your lingo and impress your friends with this essential guide to the latest slang trends!

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1. Take a gander

This phrase is often used to suggest taking a casual or quick look at something.

For example, “I’ll just take a gander at this report before the meeting.”
Another usage might be, “Let’s take a gander at the new menu and see what they have.”
A person might say, “I took a gander at the car and noticed a scratch on the door.”

2. Cast an eye over

This phrase implies a quick or cursory inspection of something.

For instance, “I’ll just cast an eye over the document and see if there are any mistakes.”
Another usage might be, “Can you cast an eye over this painting and tell me what you think?”
A person might say, “I cast an eye over the room and noticed that something was out of place.”

3. Run the rule over

This phrase suggests a thorough or detailed inspection of something.

For example, “I’ll run the rule over the contract and make sure everything is in order.”
Another usage might be, “Let’s run the rule over the candidate’s resume before the interview.”
A person might say, “I ran the rule over the car and discovered some mechanical issues.”

4. Look-see

This phrase is a playful or informal way of referring to a quick inspection.

For instance, “Let’s have a look-see at what’s in this box.”
Another usage might be, “I’ll just take a quick look-see at the report before I give my feedback.”
A person might say, “I had a look-see at the house and liked what I saw.”

5. Give a going-over

This phrase suggests a comprehensive or intense inspection of something.

For example, “I need to give this document a going-over to catch any mistakes.”
Another usage might be, “The boss gave the project a going-over to make sure everything was on track.”
A person might say, “I gave the car a going-over and found some hidden damage.”

6. Suss out

To thoroughly examine or investigate something or someone. “Suss out” is often used when trying to gather information or figure something out.

For example, a detective might say, “I need to suss out the suspect’s alibi.”
In a conversation about a new hire, someone might ask, “Have you had a chance to suss out their qualifications?”
A person trying to solve a puzzle might say, “I need to suss out the next clue.”

7. Survey

To carefully examine or assess a situation, area, or group of people. “Survey” is often used when conducting research or gathering information.

For instance, a scientist might say, “We need to survey the area before we can start the experiment.”
In a discussion about customer satisfaction, someone might say, “Let’s survey our customers to gather feedback.”
A person planning a trip might ask, “Can you survey the available hotels and find the best one?”

8. Examine

To closely observe or inspect something in order to gain information or determine its condition. “Examine” is a general term for inspecting something in detail.

For example, a doctor might say, “I need to examine the patient to make a diagnosis.”
In a discussion about a crime scene, a detective might say, “We need to carefully examine the evidence.”
A person inspecting a piece of art might comment, “I’m going to take some time to examine the brushstrokes and details.”

9. Scrutinize

To examine or analyze something in great detail, often with a critical eye. “Scrutinize” implies a thorough and intense inspection.

For instance, a teacher might say, “I’m going to scrutinize these essays for grammar errors.”
In a discussion about a business proposal, someone might say, “We need to scrutinize the numbers and projections.”
A person evaluating a job candidate might comment, “I’m going to scrutinize their resume and interview answers.”

10. Peruse

To read, examine, or look through something casually or quickly. “Peruse” often implies a less thorough or detailed inspection.

For example, a reader might say, “I like to peruse the bookstore and see what catches my eye.”
In a discussion about a report, someone might say, “I’ll peruse the executive summary and then dive into the details.”
A person browsing through a magazine might comment, “I’m just perusing the articles, not reading them all.”

11. Investigate

To examine or inquire into something in order to uncover information or solve a problem. “Investigate” is a more formal term for inspecting something.

For example, a detective might say, “I need to investigate this crime scene for any evidence.”
A journalist might investigate a story by conducting interviews and researching.
A concerned citizen might investigate a suspicious noise outside their house.

12. Peek at

To quickly glance or look at something, usually without being noticed or without fully inspecting it. “Peek at” implies a brief and secretive inspection.

For instance, a child might peek at their presents before Christmas morning.
A person might peek at someone’s phone screen to see what they’re looking at.
A curious individual might peek at a document on someone’s desk.

13. Glance at

To briefly look at something without examining it in detail. “Glance at” suggests a quick and casual inspection.

For example, a person might glance at their watch to check the time.
A driver might glance at the rearview mirror to check for oncoming traffic.
A student might glance at their notes before a test.

14. Peer at

To look at something closely and intently, often with a sense of curiosity or scrutiny. “Peer at” implies a more focused and careful inspection.

For instance, a person might peer at a painting in a museum to examine the brushstrokes.
A scientist might peer at a specimen under a microscope to observe its structure.
A person might peer at a blurry photograph to try and make out the details.

15. Behold

To look at or observe something, often with a sense of wonder or awe. “Behold” implies a more dramatic and intense inspection.

For example, a person might say, “Behold the beauty of the sunset.”
A traveler might say, “Behold the grandeur of the ancient ruins.”
A person might say, “Behold the power of nature during a thunderstorm.”

16. View

To take a look at something or observe it closely. “View” is a casual term used to refer to inspecting or examining something.

For example, if someone sees a new painting, they might say, “I want to view it up close to appreciate the details.”
In a discussion about a crime scene, a detective might say, “We need to view the area for any possible evidence.”
A person looking at a potential purchase might ask, “Can I view the product from different angles?”

17. Witness

To observe or be present during an event or situation. “Witness” is a term often used to describe someone who sees or experiences something firsthand.

For instance, if someone sees a car accident, they might say, “I was a witness to the collision.”
In a courtroom, a witness might testify, “I can clearly identify the suspect as the person I saw at the scene.”
A person discussing a memorable event might say, “I was lucky enough to witness history being made.”

18. Observe

To watch or notice something carefully. “Observe” is a more formal term used to describe the act of inspecting or paying attention to something.

For example, if someone sees a rare bird, they might say, “I like to observe its behavior in its natural habitat.”
In a scientific experiment, a researcher might note, “We observed a significant increase in temperature during the reaction.”
A person discussing a social phenomenon might say, “It’s interesting to observe how people’s behavior changes in different situations.”

19. Monitor

To watch, observe, or track something regularly or continuously. “Monitor” is a term often used to describe the act of inspecting or overseeing something for a specific purpose.

For instance, if someone is tracking their heart rate during exercise, they might say, “I need to monitor my heart rate to ensure I’m in the right zone.”
In a security setting, a guard might say, “We monitor the surveillance cameras to detect any suspicious activity.”
A person discussing their internet usage might say, “I use a software to monitor my screen time and limit distractions.”

20. Patrol

To move around an area or location to keep watch or inspect it regularly. “Patrol” is a term often used to describe the act of inspecting or guarding an area to maintain security or order.

For example, if someone is walking around a neighborhood to ensure safety, they might say, “I patrol the streets at night to deter crime.”
In a military context, a soldier might be assigned to patrol a specific area to gather information or provide security.
A person discussing a security protocol might say, “We have security guards who patrol the premises to prevent unauthorized access.”

21. Look over

To quickly examine or inspect something. It implies a casual or cursory inspection rather than a thorough examination.

For example, “Before submitting the report, make sure to look it over for any errors.”
A teacher might say, “Take a few minutes to look over your notes before the test.”
A mechanic might ask, “Can you look over the engine and see if you notice anything unusual?”

22. Scan

To quickly look over or examine something in order to find specific information or identify key details.

For instance, “I scanned the article for any mention of my name.”
A student might say, “I scanned the textbook for the relevant chapter.”
A security guard might ask, “Can you scan the crowd and see if you notice anything suspicious?”

23. Case out

To carefully observe or examine a place or situation in order to gather information or plan for a future action, often with the intention of committing a crime.

For example, “The thief cased out the bank before planning the heist.”
A spy might say, “I need to case out the area before making my move.”
A detective might ask, “Did you case out the suspect’s house?”

24. Watch over

To observe or monitor something or someone closely in order to ensure their safety or well-being.

For instance, “Can you watch over the kids while I run to the store?”
A lifeguard might say, “I’ll watch over the swimmers and make sure everyone stays safe.”
A caregiver might ask, “Can you watch over my elderly parent while I’m at work?”

25. Look into

To examine or investigate something in order to gather more information or understand it better.

For example, “The police promised to look into the matter and find the culprit.”
A journalist might say, “I’m going to look into the company’s financial records for any irregularities.”
A researcher might ask, “Can you look into the effects of this medication on the patients?”

26. Size out

When you size out a situation, you carefully evaluate or analyze it.

For example, “I need to size out this new project before presenting it to the team.”
In a clothing store, a customer might say, “Can I size out this dress before I make a decision?”
A manager might ask their team, “Let’s size out the potential risks of this new business venture.”

27. Nose around

When you nose around, you are prying or snooping into someone’s affairs or belongings.

For instance, “Why are you nosing around in my personal life?”
A nosy neighbor might say, “I saw you nosing around in the new neighbor’s yard.”
In a mystery novel, a detective might say, “I need to nose around the crime scene for clues.”

28. Give it a once-over

When you give something a once-over, you quickly look at or inspect it.

For example, “I’ll just give this report a once-over before submitting it.”
A car buyer might say, “Can I give the vehicle a once-over before deciding to purchase it?”
A teacher might ask their students, “Please give your homework a once-over for any errors before turning it in.”

29. Pore over

When you pore over something, you study or examine it carefully and in detail.

For instance, “I need to pore over these documents to find any inconsistencies.”
A student might say, “I spent hours poring over my notes to prepare for the exam.”
A researcher might mention, “I’ve been poring over scientific journals to gather information for my study.”