examine、inspect、investigate与scan这些动词都有“调查、检查”之意。
examine : 最普通用词，可指粗略地查看，也可指仔细观察或调查以确定事物的性质、功能、特点等。
- The goods were examined for damage on arrival.
货物到达时检查是否有破损。 - The doctor examined her but could find nothing wrong.
医生给她作了检查，但没发现什么问题。
inspect : 侧重按一定质量标准检查某物，找出不足或不同之处。
- The teacher walked around inspecting their work.
老师走来走去检查他们的作业。 - The plants are regularly inspected for disease.
对这些植物定期做病害检查。 - Make sure you inspect the goods before signing for them.
要确保在签收货物之前进行检验。
investigate : 指为发现事实真相或了解掌握情况而进行深入细致的现场考察。
- The FBI has been called in to investigate.
联邦调查局奉命进行调查。 - Police are investigating possible links between the murders.
警察正在调查这些谋杀案之间是否存在关联。
scan : 原义是仔细地检查分析，现用于指细看或浏览。
- He scanned the horizon for any sign of land.
他仔细眺望地平线，找寻陆地的踪影。 - She scanned his face anxiously.
她急切地端详着他的脸。 - I scanned the list quickly for my name.
我很快浏览了一下名单，看有没有我的名字。
