review
HighNeutral (used across formal and informal contexts)
Definition
Meaning
To examine, consider, or assess something formally with the possibility of change.
A report or assessment of a product, performance, or situation; a formal or systematic re-examination; a process of learning previously studied material.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word can denote both a process (the act of reviewing) and an object (the resulting evaluation or report). It often implies a structured or official assessment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In American English, 'review' for a legal proceeding is 'judicial review.' 'Revise' is preferred for re-studying material. In British English, 'review' is used for re-studying (e.g., 'review for an exam').
Connotations
Similar in both, but the 'assessment' sense (e.g., performance review, film review) is dominant in AmE. In BrE, the 're-study' sense is more common in educational contexts.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both varieties, with slight contextual preference differences.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to review + NP (e.g., review the policy)to review + for + NP (e.g., review for the test)NP + under review (e.g., The policy is under review)to have one's + NP + reviewed (e.g., have your essay reviewed)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “pass in review”
- “under review”
- “come up for review”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
A formal assessment of an employee's performance or a company's procedures (e.g., 'Q3 performance review').
Academic
A critical analysis of published research on a topic (e.g., 'systematic literature review').
Everyday
A personal opinion on a product, film, or restaurant shared online (e.g., 'I read the reviews before booking').
Technical
In software development, a systematic examination of code (e.g., 'code review').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We need to review the company's sustainability policy.
- She spent the weekend reviewing her notes for the history exam.
- The committee will review the application next week.
American English
- Management will review the budget proposals on Friday.
- He reviewed the contract before signing it.
- Let's review what we learned in class today.
adverb
British English
- (Rarely used as a pure adverb; typically in compound adjectives like 'a critically-reviewed film')
American English
- (Rarely used as a pure adverb; typically in compound adjectives like 'a favorably-reviewed product')
adjective
British English
- The review process can take several weeks. (as part of a compound noun)
- She submitted a review copy of her novel. (as part of a compound noun)
American English
- He serves on the review board for grant applications.
- The journal has a strict review policy for submissions.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I read a review of the new film.
- The teacher will review the homework.
- Can you review this email for me?
- We conducted an annual review of our team's goals.
- The restaurant got a terrible review in the newspaper.
- Before the test, it's helpful to review the key vocabulary.
- The government's spending plans are under independent review.
- Her latest novel has received mixed reviews from critics.
- The software update is pending a final security review.
- The judge agreed to review the case based on new evidence.
- The seminal paper underwent a rigorous peer review before publication.
- The board mandated a comprehensive review of all safety protocols.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
RE-view: to VIEW something again (RE-) to form an opinion.
Conceptual Metaphor
REVIEWING IS SEEING AGAIN / REVIEWING IS WEIGHING (e.g., 'weigh the evidence').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'review' for 'retelling' or 'summary' (use 'summary' or 'recap').
- Do not confuse with 'revision' (BrE) for studying; in AmE, 'review' is used for this.
- 'Review' as a noun is not a 'vision' or 'show' (like 'revue').
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I must review my notes for the story.' (if meaning 'retell') Correct: 'I must review my notes for the exam.'
- Incorrect: 'The teacher gave a review of the chapter.' (ambiguous) Better: 'The teacher gave a summary of the chapter.'
Practice
Quiz
In British English, which sentence most naturally uses 'review' in an educational context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is both a noun (e.g., 'write a review') and a verb (e.g., 'review the document').
In British English, 'revise' is standard for re-studying. In American English, 'review' is used for re-studying. For documents, 'revise' means to alter and improve, while 'review' means to assess or examine.
Not typically. 'Review' implies looking at something again or assessing something that already exists. For a first look, words like 'examine,' 'look at,' or 'inspect' are more accurate.
It is a process where experts in the same field evaluate the work of their peers (e.g., a research paper) to ensure its quality and validity before publication.
Collections
Part of a collection
Science and Research
B2 · 43 words · Academic and scientific research methodology.