Beyond ‘Peruse’: Expanding Your Vocabulary for Careful Reading

The English language is rich with words that express subtle differences in meaning. While “peruse” suggests a careful reading, it’s useful to have a variety of synonyms at your disposal to convey the specific nuance you intend.

Understanding these alternatives not only enhances your vocabulary but also allows you to communicate more precisely and effectively. This article explores a range of words and phrases that can be used instead of “peruse,” providing definitions, examples, and practical exercises to help you master their usage.

Whether you’re a student, a writer, or simply someone who enjoys expanding their linguistic horizons, this guide will equip you with the tools to express yourself with greater accuracy and flair.

This article is designed for English language learners of all levels, from intermediate to advanced. By examining the subtle differences between these synonyms, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the English language and improve your ability to choose the most appropriate word for any given context.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Definition of “Peruse”
3. Structural Breakdown of “Peruse”
4. Synonyms for “Peruse”
   • Examine
   • Scrutinize
   • Inspect
   • Scan
   • Browse
   • Study
   • Review
   • Analyze
   • Investigate
   • Delve Into
   • Go Over
   • Pore Over
5. Examples of Synonym Usage
6. Usage Rules
7. Common Mistakes
8. Practice Exercises
9. Advanced Topics
10. FAQ
11. Conclusion

Definition of “Peruse”

Peruse (verb): To read something, typically in a careful or detailed way.

The word “peruse” often implies a thoroughness and attention to detail that goes beyond a casual glance. It suggests that the reader is actively engaging with the text, seeking to understand its nuances and implications.

While it can be used to describe the act of reading any type of material, it is often associated with documents, articles, reports, or other formal texts. The level of detail implied in “peruse” sets it apart from similar words like “scan” or “browse,” which suggest a quicker, less thorough reading.

The term can also carry a subtle connotation of leisure or enjoyment, implying that the reader is taking their time to appreciate the material. This is especially true when “peruse” is used in the context of literature or other artistic works.

Structural Breakdown of “Peruse”

The word “peruse” is a verb, meaning it describes an action. It’s a transitive verb, which means it typically takes a direct object (the thing being perused).

Here’s a breakdown of its structure and usage in sentences:

• Base form: peruse
• Past tense: perused
• Past participle: perused
• Present participle/gerund: perusing
• Third-person singular present: peruses

Here are some examples of “peruse” used in different tenses:

• Present tense: I peruse the newspaper every morning.
• Past tense: She perused the contract before signing it.
• Future tense: He will peruse the report later today.
• Present continuous: They are perusing the menu to decide what to order.
• Past perfect: Having perused the documents, she felt confident in her decision.

Synonyms for “Peruse”

While “peruse” is a perfectly valid word, using a variety of synonyms can make your writing more engaging and precise. Here are several alternatives, each with its own unique nuance:

Examine

Examine: To inspect (someone or something) in detail to determine their nature or condition; to investigate thoroughly.

“Examine” suggests a more formal and analytical approach than “peruse.” It implies a careful and systematic investigation, often with a specific purpose in mind.

Scrutinize

Scrutinize: To examine or inspect closely and critically.

“Scrutinize” implies a very close and critical examination, often looking for flaws or errors. It suggests a more skeptical or demanding approach than “peruse.”

Inspect

Inspect: To look at (someone or something) carefully in order to discover information, identify faults, etc.

“Inspect” suggests a formal and often official examination, often to ensure that something meets certain standards or requirements. It’s less about understanding the content and more about checking for compliance or defects.

Scan

Scan: To look at all parts of (something) carefully and thoroughly in order to detect some feature.

“Scan” implies a quick but thorough look, often to find specific information or to get a general overview. It contrasts with “peruse” by suggesting less detailed attention.

Browse

Browse: To look through or inspect something casually.

“Browse” suggests a casual and unfocused examination, often without a specific purpose in mind. It’s a much lighter and less intensive activity than “peruse.”

Study

Study: To devote time and attention to acquiring knowledge on (an academic subject), especially by means of books.

“Study” implies a dedicated and focused effort to learn about something, often involving repeated readings and analysis. It suggests a more academic or intellectual pursuit than “peruse.”

Review

Review: To go over or examine again or repeatedly.

“Review” suggests looking at something again, often to refresh one’s memory or to make sure everything is in order. It implies a previous familiarity with the material.

Analyze

Analyze: To examine methodically and in detail the constitution or structure of (something, especially information), typically for purposes of explanation and interpretation.

“Analyze” implies a deep and systematic examination, breaking down the material into its component parts to understand how they work together. It’s a more intellectual and analytical activity than “peruse.”

Investigate

Investigate: To carry out a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine the facts of an incident, allegation, etc. so as to establish the truth.

“Investigate” suggests a formal and systematic inquiry, often to uncover hidden information or to solve a problem. It implies a more active and purposeful search than “peruse.”

Delve Into

Delve Into: To examine (something) carefully in order to discover more information about someone or something.

“Delve into” suggests exploring something in depth, often uncovering hidden or obscure details. It implies a more immersive and exploratory approach than “peruse.”

Go Over

Go Over: Review.

“Go over” is a more informal way of saying review. It suggests a less formal and more conversational tone.

Pore Over

Pore Over: To be absorbed in the reading or study of.

“Pore over” suggests a deep and concentrated focus on something, often for a long period of time. It implies a more intense and perhaps even obsessive attention than “peruse.”

Examples of Synonym Usage

The best way to understand the nuances of these synonyms is to see them in action. Here are several tables with examples of how each word can be used in a sentence, along with a brief explanation of the context.

The following table illustrates the usage of “Examine” and its subtle differences from “Peruse.”

Word	Example Sentence	Context
Examine	The doctor will examine your throat for any signs of infection.	A medical professional checking for specific symptoms.
Examine	The investigators will examine the evidence carefully.	A detailed investigation to uncover facts.
Examine	Please examine this proposal and let me know your thoughts.	Requesting a detailed review and feedback.
Examine	The accountant had to examine all the financial records.	A thorough audit of financial information.
Examine	The scientist will examine the samples under a microscope.	A careful observation in a scientific setting.
Examine	He asked me to examine his essay before he submitted it.	Reviewing an essay for errors and improvements.
Examine	The committee will examine the new policy before it is implemented.	A formal review of a policy.
Examine	The museum curator will examine the artifact for authenticity.	Determining the genuineness of an artifact.
Examine	The auditor will examine the company’s financial statements.	Reviewing financial documents for accuracy.
Examine	The professor asked us to examine the historical context of the novel.	Analyzing the historical background of a literary work.
Peruse	I like to peruse the bookstore for interesting titles.	Casual reading and browsing.
Peruse	She will peruse the document before the meeting.	Careful reading in preparation.
Peruse	He perused the map to find the best route.	Looking at a map in detail to plan a route.
Peruse	We perused the art gallery’s collection with admiration.	Carefully looking at artworks in an art gallery.
Peruse	The lawyer perused the contract to ensure its legality.	Reading a legal document to check its validity.
Peruse	I enjoy perusing magazines at the doctor’s office.	Casual reading in a waiting room.
Peruse	He perused the online forum for relevant discussions.	Browsing an online forum for interesting topics.
Peruse	They perused the menu before ordering their meal.	Looking at a menu to choose food.
Peruse	She perused the travel brochures to plan her vacation.	Reading travel information to plan a trip.
Peruse	He perused the website to find the information he needed.	Browsing a website to find specific details.

The following table illustrates the usage of “Scrutinize” and its subtle differences from “Peruse.”

Word	Example Sentence	Context
Scrutinize	The accountant will scrutinize the financial records for any discrepancies.	A very detailed and critical examination of financial data.
Scrutinize	The editor will scrutinize the article for errors in grammar and style.	A close and critical review of a written piece.
Scrutinize	The border guards scrutinized our passports carefully.	A thorough check of identification documents.
Scrutinize	The detective scrutinized the crime scene for clues.	A detailed examination of a scene to find evidence.
Scrutinize	The hiring manager will scrutinize your resume.	A careful review of a job application.
Scrutinize	The jury had to scrutinize the evidence.	Carefully evaluating evidence in a trial.
Scrutinize	The teacher will scrutinize the students’ essays for plagiarism.	Checking written work for originality.
Scrutinize	The quality control team will scrutinize the products for defects.	Examining products for flaws.
Scrutinize	The scientist will scrutinize the data from the experiment.	Analyzing experimental results carefully.
Scrutinize	The customs officer will scrutinize the contents of your luggage.	Examining luggage for prohibited items.
Peruse	I like to peruse the bookstore for interesting titles.	Casual reading and browsing.
Peruse	She will peruse the document before the meeting.	Careful reading in preparation.
Peruse	He perused the map to find the best route.	Looking at a map in detail to plan a route.
Peruse	We perused the art gallery’s collection with admiration.	Carefully looking at artworks in an art gallery.
Peruse	The lawyer perused the contract to ensure its legality.	Reading a legal document to check its validity.
Peruse	I enjoy perusing magazines at the doctor’s office.	Casual reading in a waiting room.
Peruse	He perused the online forum for relevant discussions.	Browsing an online forum for interesting topics.
Peruse	They perused the menu before ordering their meal.	Looking at a menu to choose food.
Peruse	She perused the travel brochures to plan her vacation.	Reading travel information to plan a trip.
Peruse	He perused the website to find the information he needed.	Browsing a website to find specific details.

The following table illustrates the usage of “Inspect” and its subtle differences from “Peruse.”

Word	Example Sentence	Context
Inspect	The building inspector will inspect the construction site.	Checking a site for compliance with safety regulations.
Inspect	The mechanic will inspect your car.	A professional checking the mechanical condition of the car.
Inspect	The health inspector will inspect the restaurant’s kitchen.	Ensuring the kitchen meets hygiene standards.
Inspect	The teacher will inspect the students’ notebooks.	Checking notebooks for completeness and accuracy.
Inspect	The quality control team will inspect the products for defects.	Examining items to ensure they meet quality standards.
Inspect	The police will inspect the scene of the accident.	Investigating the location of an accident.
Inspect	The customs officer will inspect your luggage.	Checking luggage for prohibited items.
Inspect	The electrician will inspect the wiring.	Ensuring electrical wiring meets safety standards.
Inspect	The safety officer will inspect the equipment.	Checking equipment for safety and functionality.
Inspect	The judge will inspect the evidence.	Reviewing evidence in a legal case.
Peruse	I like to peruse the bookstore for interesting titles.	Casual reading and browsing.
Peruse	She will peruse the document before the meeting.	Careful reading in preparation.
Peruse	He perused the map to find the best route.	Looking at a map in detail to plan a route.
Peruse	We perused the art gallery’s collection with admiration.	Carefully looking at artworks in an art gallery.
Peruse	The lawyer perused the contract to ensure its legality.	Reading a legal document to check its validity.
Peruse	I enjoy perusing magazines at the doctor’s office.	Casual reading in a waiting room.
Peruse	He perused the online forum for relevant discussions.	Browsing an online forum for interesting topics.
Peruse	They perused the menu before ordering their meal.	Looking at a menu to choose food.
Peruse	She perused the travel brochures to plan her vacation.	Reading travel information to plan a trip.
Peruse	He perused the website to find the information he needed.	Browsing a website to find specific details.

The following table illustrates the usage of “Scan” and its subtle differences from “Peruse.”

Word	Example Sentence	Context
Scan	I will scan the document for keywords.	Looking quickly to find specific information.
Scan	The security guard will scan your bag.	Using a machine to quickly check the contents.
Scan	We will scan the horizon for any signs of boats.	Looking quickly over a wide area.
Scan	The computer will scan your hard drive for viruses.	A quick check for malicious software.
Scan	I will scan the newspaper headlines.	Reading headlines quickly to get an overview.
Scan	The cashier will scan your items at the checkout.	Using a barcode scanner to identify items.
Scan	The doctor will scan your brain to look for abnormalities.	Using medical imaging to examine the brain.
Scan	The radar will scan the airspace for aircraft.	Using radar to detect objects in the air.
Scan	I will scan the crowd to see if I can find my friend.	Looking quickly through a group of people.
Scan	The teacher asked us to scan the chapter.	Reading a chapter quickly for the main ideas.
Peruse	I like to peruse the bookstore for interesting titles.	Casual reading and browsing.
Peruse	She will peruse the document before the meeting.	Careful reading in preparation.
Peruse	He perused the map to find the best route.	Looking at a map in detail to plan a route.
Peruse	We perused the art gallery’s collection with admiration.	Carefully looking at artworks in an art gallery.
Peruse	The lawyer perused the contract to ensure its legality.	Reading a legal document to check its validity.
Peruse	I enjoy perusing magazines at the doctor’s office.	Casual reading in a waiting room.
Peruse	He perused the online forum for relevant discussions.	Browsing an online forum for interesting topics.
Peruse	They perused the menu before ordering their meal.	Looking at a menu to choose food.
Peruse	She perused the travel brochures to plan her vacation.	Reading travel information to plan a trip.
Peruse	He perused the website to find the information he needed.	Browsing a website to find specific details.

The following table illustrates the usage of “Browse” and its subtle differences from “Peruse.”

Word	Example Sentence	Context
Browse	I like to browse the shops on a Saturday afternoon.	Looking at items without a specific purchase in mind.
Browse	You can browse the internet for information.	Looking at websites casually to find information.
Browse	Feel free to browse our catalog.	Inviting someone to look through a catalog casually.
Browse	I was just browsing, thank you.	Expressing that you are looking without intending to buy.
Browse	They browse the art gallery on weekends.	Looking at artworks without a specific purpose.
Browse	She likes to browse the library shelves for a good read.	Looking for books casually in a library.
Browse	You can browse through the photos on my phone.	Looking at photos casually on a device.
Browse	The customers were browsing the market stalls.	Looking at items for sale without a specific intention.
Browse	He browse the news apps on his phone.	Looking at headlines and articles casually.
Browse	We browse the different social media platforms.	Looking at social media content without a specific goal.
Peruse	I like to peruse the bookstore for interesting titles.	Casual reading and browsing.
Peruse	She will peruse the document before the meeting.	Careful reading in preparation.
Peruse	He perused the map to find the best route.	Looking at a map in detail to plan a route.
Peruse	We perused the art gallery’s collection with admiration.	Carefully looking at artworks in an art gallery.
Peruse	The lawyer perused the contract to ensure its legality.	Reading a legal document to check its validity.
Peruse	I enjoy perusing magazines at the doctor’s office.	Casual reading in a waiting room.
Peruse	He perused the online forum for relevant discussions.	Browsing an online forum for interesting topics.
Peruse	They perused the menu before ordering their meal.	Looking at a menu to choose food.
Peruse	She perused the travel brochures to plan her vacation.	Reading travel information to plan a trip.
Peruse	He perused the website to find the information he needed.	Browsing a website to find specific details.

Usage Rules

While many of these words can be used interchangeably with “peruse,” it’s important to consider the context and the specific nuance you want to convey. “Examine,” “scrutinize,” and “inspect” all suggest a more formal and detailed investigation than “peruse.” “Scan” and “browse” imply a quicker and less thorough look.

“Study,” “review,” and “analyze” suggest a more academic or intellectual pursuit. “Delve into” suggests a more immersive and exploratory approach.

Consider the level of detail, the purpose of the reading, and the tone you want to convey when choosing the right synonym. For example, you might “scrutinize” a legal document for errors, but you would “browse” a bookstore for interesting titles.

Common Mistakes

One common mistake is using “scan” when you mean “peruse.” “Scan” implies a quick look, while “peruse” implies a more careful reading. For example:

• Incorrect: I quickly scanned the contract before signing it. (Implies you didn’t read it carefully)
• Correct: I perused the contract before signing it. (Implies you read it carefully)

Another mistake is using “browse” when you mean “peruse.” “Browse” suggests a casual look, while “peruse” implies a more focused reading. For example:

• Incorrect: I browsed the report looking for key information. (Implies a casual look)
• Correct: I perused the report looking for key information. (Implies a careful search)

Using “examine” or “scrutinize” when “peruse” is more appropriate can make your writing sound overly formal or critical. Be mindful of the tone you want to convey.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of these synonyms with the following exercises. Choose the best word to replace “peruse” in each sentence, considering the context.

Exercise 1: Choose the best synonym for “peruse”

Question	Possible Answers	Your Answer
1. The detective had to ______ the crime scene for clues.	a) browse b) scrutinize c) scan
2. I like to ______ the menu before ordering my meal.	a) scan b) examine c) browse
3. The auditor needs to ______ the financial records.	a) delve into b) examine c) scan
4. I need to ______ the website for the latest news.	a) browse b) scrutinize c) examine
5. The teacher asked us to ______ the chapter.	a) scan b) study c) browse
6. The inspector will ______ the building for safety hazards.	a) scan b) inspect c) browse
7. She likes to ______ the library for interesting books.	a) browse b) scrutinize c) examine
8. The lawyer will ______ the documents.	a) scan b) scrutinize c) examine
9. He had to ______ the old manuscripts.	a) scan b) pore over c) browse
10. The scientist had to ______ the data.	a) analyze b) browse c) scan

Answer Key:

Question	Correct Answer
1. The detective had to ______ the crime scene for clues.	b) scrutinize
2. I like to ______ the menu before ordering my meal.	c) browse
3. The auditor needs to ______ the financial records.	b) examine
4. I need to ______ the website for the latest news.	a) browse
5. The teacher asked us to ______ the chapter.	b) study
6. The inspector will ______ the building for safety hazards.	b) inspect
7. She likes to ______ the library for interesting books.	a) browse
8. The lawyer will ______ the documents.	c) examine
9. He had to ______ the old manuscripts.	b) pore over
10. The scientist had to ______ the data.	a) analyze

Exercise 2: Fill in the blank with the most appropriate synonym for “peruse.”

Question	Possible Answers	Your Answer
1. Before making a purchase, I always carefully _______ the product reviews.	a) scan b) examine c) browse
2. The librarian advised us to _______ the rare book collection with respect.	a) study b) browse c) inspect
3. As a proofreader, her job is to _______ every page for errors.	a) scan b) scrutinize c) analyze
4. The research team decided to _______ the historical records to uncover new insights.	a) delve into b) go over c) scan
5. The professor asked the students to _______ the assigned readings before the next lecture.	a) scan b) study c) browse
6. During the home inspection, the inspector will thoroughly _______ the foundation for cracks.	a) scan b) inspect c) browse
7. I like to _______ through vintage clothing stores, hoping to find unique pieces.	a) scrutinize b) examine c) browse
8. The tax auditor will meticulously _______ all financial transactions to ensure compliance.	a) scan b) scrutinize c) browse
9. Before the debate, each participant must carefully _______ the arguments of their opponents.	a) analyze b) scan c) browse
10. The detective had to _______ the evidence to solve the mystery.	a) scan b) investigate c) browse

Answer Key:

Question	Correct Answer
1. Before making a purchase, I always carefully _______ the product reviews.	b) examine
2. The librarian advised us to _______ the rare book collection with respect.	b) browse
3. As a proofreader, her job is to _______ every page for errors.	b) scrutinize
4. The research team decided to _______ the historical records to uncover new insights.	a) delve into
5. The professor asked the students to _______ the assigned readings before the next lecture.	b) study
6. During the home inspection, the inspector will thoroughly _______ the foundation for cracks.	b) inspect
7. I like to _______ through vintage clothing stores, hoping to find unique pieces.	c) browse
8. The tax auditor will meticulously _______ all financial transactions to ensure compliance.	b) scrutinize
9. Before the debate, each participant must carefully _______ the arguments of their opponents.	a) analyze
10. The detective had to _______ the evidence to solve the mystery.	b) investigate

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, consider exploring the etymology of these words and how their meanings have evolved over time. Understanding the historical context can provide deeper insights into their nuances and usage.

Additionally, explore how these words are used in different genres of writing, such as legal documents, scientific reports, and literary works.

Consider the subtle differences in connotation between these words. Some words, like “scrutinize,” carry a more negative connotation than others, like “examine.” Being aware of these connotations can help you choose the most appropriate word for your intended audience and purpose.

FAQ

Is “peruse” a formal or informal word?

While “peruse” is not overly formal, it is generally considered more formal than words like “look at” or “check.” It is appropriate for both written and spoken communication, but it is often used in more formal contexts.

Can “peruse” be used to describe looking at images or videos?

While “peruse” is typically used to describe reading text, it can also be used to describe looking at images or videos in a careful and detailed way. For example, you might “peruse” a collection of photographs to appreciate their artistic qualities.

What is the difference between “peruse” and “skim”?

“Peruse” implies a careful and detailed reading, while “skim” implies a quick and superficial reading. “Skim” is used to get a general overview of the material, while “peruse” is used to understand the material in depth.

Is it correct to say “peruse through”?

No, it is not correct to say “peruse through.” The correct usage is simply “peruse.” The word “peruse” already implies a thorough examination, so adding “through” is redundant.

What are some common misspellings of “peruse”?

Some common misspellings of “peruse” include “peruze,” “preuse,” and “puruse.” Be sure to double-check your spelling to avoid errors.

Conclusion

By expanding your vocabulary with these synonyms for “peruse,” you can express yourself with greater precision and flair. Understanding the nuances of each word will allow you to choose the most appropriate term for any given context, enhancing your communication skills and making your writing more engaging and effective.

Keep practicing with these words, and you’ll soon master their usage and appreciate the richness and diversity of the English language.