# inspecting

/ˌɪnˈspɛktɪŋ/ (US) · /ɪnspˈɛktɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/inspecting
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

looking at something very carefully to check its condition or to find problems.

For teachers: examining something closely and officially to assess its condition or ensure it meets specific standards. Present participle of 'inspect'.

## Examples

- The mechanic is inspecting the car's engine for leaks.
- Health officials are currently inspecting the restaurant to ensure it follows all safety regulations.
- By meticulously inspecting every weld on the bridge's support beams, the engineering team identified several structural weaknesses that had been overlooked during the initial survey.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He is inspecting to the machine" but "He is inspecting the machine" — Inspect is a transitive verb and does not take the preposition 'to' before its object.

## Usage notes

- Transitive — requires a direct object. Often used in the continuous aspect to describe an ongoing official process.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.