Perusal vs Review: Usage Guidelines and Popular Confusions

When it comes to analyzing something, we often come across two words that are used interchangeably – perusal and review. However, are they really the same? Is there a difference between them? Let’s take a closer look to find out.

It’s important to understand the meanings of these two words. Perusal is the act of reading or examining something carefully and thoroughly. On the other hand, review refers to the critical appraisal of something, with the intention of evaluating and analyzing it.

So, which of the two is the proper word to use? Well, it depends on the context. If you’re simply reading something to gain an understanding of it, then perusal is the appropriate word. However, if you’re going to be evaluating and analyzing something in detail, then review is the way to go.

Throughout this article, we’ll be diving deeper into the differences between perusal and review, and when to use each one. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which word to use in different situations.

Define Perusal

Perusal is the act of reading something in a casual or cursory manner. It involves scanning through a text without giving it much attention or focus. Perusal is often done quickly, with the intention of getting a general idea of the content rather than thoroughly understanding it.

Define Review

Review, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive and systematic process of examining a text. It involves reading a piece of writing carefully and critically analyzing its content, structure, and style. A review is usually done with the intention of evaluating the quality of the writing and providing feedback or commentary on it.

A review is typically more thorough than a perusal and requires a greater level of attention and focus. It may involve taking notes, highlighting key points, and comparing the text to other works in the same genre or field.

Here is a table summarizing the key differences between perusal and review:

Perusal	Review
Quick and casual reading	Thorough and systematic examination
Scanning for general idea	Critical analysis of content, structure, and style
Little attention or focus	Requires greater attention and focus
Intention is to get general idea	Intention is to evaluate quality and provide feedback

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right word in a sentence can make a big difference in how your message is perceived. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use the words perusal and review in a sentence.

How To Use Perusal In A Sentence

The word perusal is often used to describe a quick read or a brief scan of a document or text. It is important to use this word correctly in a sentence to avoid confusion and ensure that your message is clear.

Here are some examples of how to use perusal in a sentence:

• After a quick perusal of the report, I was able to identify the main points.
• Please take a few minutes to peruse the menu before placing your order.
• She gave the document a thorough perusal before signing it.

As you can see from these examples, perusal is often used to describe a quick or brief examination of a document or text. It is important to note that perusal does not necessarily imply a detailed or thorough review.

How To Use Review In A Sentence

The word review is often used to describe a more detailed and thorough examination of a document or text. It is important to use this word correctly in a sentence to convey the appropriate level of scrutiny.

Here are some examples of how to use review in a sentence:

• The committee will review the proposal before making a decision.
• I need to review my notes before the exam.
• The editor will review the manuscript before it is published.

As you can see from these examples, review is often used to describe a more in-depth examination of a document or text. It implies a level of scrutiny and attention to detail that is not necessarily conveyed by the word perusal.

More Examples Of Perusal & Review Used In Sentences

In order to understand the difference between perusal and review, it is important to see how they are used in sentences. Here are some examples:

Examples Of Using Perusal In A Sentence

• After a quick perusal of the document, I realized there were several errors that needed to be corrected.
• She gave the book a quick perusal before deciding it wasn’t worth her time.
• He took a few minutes to peruse the menu before deciding what to order.
• The lawyer requested a perusal of the evidence before the trial began.
• He gave the contract a thorough perusal before signing it.
• She took a leisurely perusal of the art gallery, enjoying each piece in detail.
• He gave the report a quick perusal before presenting it to the board.
• After a careful perusal of the map, they decided on the best route to take.
• The editor gave the manuscript a perusal before deciding to publish it.
• She gave the letter a perusal before deciding to respond.

Examples Of Using Review In A Sentence

• The committee will review the proposal before making a decision.
• He spent the afternoon reviewing his notes before the exam.
• The manager will review the employee’s performance at the end of the month.
• The board will review the financial statements at the next meeting.
• She was asked to review the book for the local newspaper.
• He will review the contract before signing it.
• The teacher will review the material before the test.
• The doctor will review the patient’s medical history before prescribing medication.
• The committee will review the applications before selecting the finalists.
• She will review the budget before presenting it to the board.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to reading and analyzing documents, it is important to understand the difference between perusal and review. Unfortunately, many people tend to use these terms interchangeably, which can lead to confusion and errors. In this section, we will highlight some common mistakes people make when using perusal and review interchangeably, and provide tips on how to avoid them in the future.

Using Perusal And Review Interchangeably

One of the most common mistakes people make is using perusal and review interchangeably. While both terms refer to the act of reading and analyzing a document, they have different connotations and implications. Perusal typically implies a more casual or superficial reading, whereas review implies a more thorough and critical analysis.

For example, if you are asked to peruse a document, you might quickly skim through it to get a general idea of the content. On the other hand, if you are asked to review a document, you would be expected to carefully read and analyze it, looking for errors, inconsistencies, and other issues.

Using perusal and review interchangeably can lead to confusion and miscommunication, especially in professional settings where precision and accuracy are important. For instance, if you tell your boss that you have reviewed a report when you have only perused it, they may assume that you have thoroughly analyzed it and made recommendations based on your findings.

Tips For Avoiding Mistakes

To avoid making these mistakes in the future, it is important to understand the nuances of perusal and review, and use them appropriately. Here are some tips to help you avoid common mistakes:

• Read the instructions or request carefully to determine whether you are being asked to peruse or review a document.
• If you are unsure of the difference between perusal and review, ask for clarification.
• When you are asked to review a document, take the time to read it carefully and critically, looking for errors, inconsistencies, and other issues.
• If you are asked to peruse a document, focus on getting a general idea of the content, rather than analyzing it in depth.

By following these tips, you can avoid common mistakes and ensure that you are using perusal and review correctly and appropriately.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between perusal and review, context is a crucial factor to consider. Both terms refer to the act of examining something, but the level of scrutiny and the purpose of the examination can vary depending on the context in which they are used.

Perusal

Perusal is often used when a quick and informal examination of something is needed. It implies a casual glance or a cursory look over something without delving too deeply into the details. For example, you might peruse a menu at a restaurant to get a general idea of what they offer before making a decision on what to order. In this context, perusal is a way to gather basic information without investing too much time or effort.

Review

On the other hand, review implies a more thorough and formal examination of something. It suggests a critical evaluation of the subject matter, with the goal of providing feedback or making a decision based on the findings. For example, a book reviewer might read a novel multiple times to analyze its themes, characters, and writing style before writing a review for a publication. In this context, review is a way to gain a deeper understanding of something and provide a thoughtful assessment.

However, the choice between perusal and review can also depend on the specific context in which they are used. Here are some examples:

Context	Perusal	Review
Reading a newspaper article	Quickly scanning the headlines and subheadings to get a general idea of the story	Reading the entire article carefully to fully understand the details and implications
Examining a job application	Glancing over the resume and cover letter to see if the applicant meets basic qualifications	Reading the application thoroughly and comparing it to other candidates to make a hiring decision
Checking an email	Briefly scanning the email to see if it requires immediate attention	Reading the email carefully and responding thoughtfully to its contents

As you can see, the choice between perusal and review can vary depending on the situation. Understanding the context in which these terms are used can help you choose the appropriate level of examination and achieve your desired outcome.

Exceptions To The Rules

Identifying Exceptions

When it comes to the usage of perusal and review, there are some exceptions to the rules that must be taken into consideration. These exceptions are cases where the general rules for using these terms might not apply.

Explaining The Exceptions

One exception to the rule of using perusal and review is in the field of law. In legal terms, perusal is used to refer to a preliminary reading of a document, while review is used to refer to a more thorough examination of the document. For example, a lawyer might peruse a contract to get a general idea of its contents, but they would review it more closely to ensure that all the details are in order.

Another exception is in the field of literature. In this context, perusal is often used to refer to a casual reading of a text, while review is used to refer to a more critical analysis of the text. For instance, a reader might peruse a novel for pleasure, but a literary critic would review it to analyze its themes, characters, and structure.

Examples Of Exceptions

To further illustrate these exceptions, consider the following examples:

• A journalist might peruse a press release to get a general idea of its content, but they would review it more closely to fact-check the details.
• A student might peruse a textbook before an exam to refresh their memory, but they would review it more thoroughly to prepare for the test.
• A manager might peruse a report to get a quick overview of the data, but they would review it more carefully to make strategic decisions based on the information.

In conclusion, while perusal and review have general rules for usage, there are exceptions to these rules that must be taken into account. These exceptions exist in different fields and contexts, and they require a nuanced understanding of the terms to use them correctly.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of perusal and review is through practice exercises. Here are a few examples:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word (perusal or review) to complete the following sentences:

1. Before submitting your paper, it’s important to give it a thorough ____________.
2. She gave the document a quick ____________ before signing it.
3. After a quick ____________ of the menu, she ordered the steak.
4. He spent hours in ____________ of the new contract before signing it.

Answer Key:

1. review
2. perusal
3. perusal
4. review

Exercise 2: Sentence Completion

Complete the following sentences with either perusal or review:

1. After a careful ____________ of the document, she found several errors.
2. He gave the report a quick ____________ before submitting it to his boss.
3. Before signing the contract, he wanted to give it a thorough ____________.
4. She spent hours in ____________ of the new book before deciding to buy it.

Answer Key:

1. perusal
2. review
3. perusal
4. perusal

These exercises are just a few examples of how you can practice using perusal and review in sentences. By completing these exercises, you can improve your understanding of these two words and use them correctly in your writing.

Conclusion

After a thorough perusal vs review of the differences between these two terms, it is clear that they are not interchangeable. Perusal refers to a quick glance or reading, while review involves a more detailed analysis and evaluation. It is important to use these terms correctly in order to avoid confusion and miscommunication.

One key takeaway is that perusal is often used in a more casual context, such as browsing a magazine or skimming through a report. Review, on the other hand, is typically used in a more formal or professional setting, such as evaluating a proposal or analyzing a legal document.

Another important point is that both perusal and review are important skills to have when it comes to grammar and language use. By perusing a text, you can quickly identify any errors or inconsistencies, while a review allows for a more thorough examination of the text and its structure.

Continuing To Learn

If you are interested in improving your grammar and language skills, there are many resources available to help you. Consider taking a writing course or workshop, reading books on grammar and style, or joining a writing group to receive feedback and support.

Remember that language is constantly evolving, and it is important to stay up-to-date on changes and trends. By continuing to learn and improve your skills, you can become a more effective communicator and writer.