What is review? Pronunciation and usage in English

review means . Learn how to pronounce and use review through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of review

reviewnoun/verb

/rɪˈvjuː/
Definition & pronunciation of review

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "review" in English. Here's a breakdown and some tips:

The Most Common Pronunciation (American English):

  • ˈriː.vjuː (rhymes with "leave you")

    • ˈriː – This part sounds like "re" as in "red," followed by a long "ee" sound as in "see."
    • vjuː – Pronounced like "view" but with a shorter "u" sound. Think of it as "v-yoo."

British English Pronunciation:

  • rɪˈvjuː (rhymes with "rib view")

    • – This part sounds like "ri" as in "ripe."
    • ˈvjuː – Same as above: "v-yoo."

Key Tips for Both Versions:

  • The “r” sound: In American English, the "r" is often pronounced, but it's a softer, less emphasized "r." In British English, it's often (but not always) a stronger "r."
  • Stress: The emphasis is on the first syllable (ˈriː).

Resources to Hear the Pronunciation:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you located (generally)? (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Australia, etc.) – This will help me suggest the most appropriate pronunciation.

Usage and examples with the word review in English

Let's break down how to use the word "review" in English. It's a really versatile word with several different meanings and uses. Here's a breakdown categorized for clarity:

1. As a Verb (to examine critically):

  • Definition: To carefully examine something (a book, movie, product, service, performance, etc.) in order to form an opinion about it.
  • Examples:
    • "I need to review my essay before I submit it." (To look over and make changes.)
    • "The critic reviewed the new film and gave it a positive rating." (To evaluate and express an opinion.)
    • "Let's review our sales strategy for next quarter." (To examine and consider again.)
    • "She reviewed the contract with her lawyer." (To go over carefully to ensure understanding and agreement.)

2. As a Noun (a written or spoken assessment):

  • Definition: A written or verbal assessment of something, typically expressing an opinion or critical evaluation.
  • Types of Reviews:
    • Book Review: A critique of a book. ("I read a fantastic review of that novel.")
    • Movie Review: A critique of a movie. ("Have you seen the latest review of 'Barbie'?")
    • Product Review: An evaluation of a product's quality, features, and value. ("Check out the reviews for this laptop online.")
    • Service Review: Feedback on a service received (e.g., restaurant, doctor, etc.). ("We left a glowing review for the hotel.")
    • Audit Review: An examination to ensure compliance (often in business and finance).
    • Medical Review: A review of a patient's medical history or a treatment plan.
  • Examples:
    • "I'm writing a review of the restaurant for my blog."
    • “Read the reviews before you buy the phone.”
    • "The company received several negative reviews after the changes."

3. Phrases Using "Review":

  • To review something (again): This means to go over something that’s already been done or discussed.
    • "Let’s review the meeting minutes."
    • "We need to review our strategy."
  • A short review: A brief assessment. ("I only read a short review of the book.")
  • To give a review: To write or speak an assessment. ("He gave a detailed review of the new software.")
  • Review copy: A pre-release version of a product (book, movie, game) given to reviewers for evaluation.

Tips for Using “Review” Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "review" depends heavily on the context.
  • Formal vs. Informal: “Review” can be used in both formal and informal writing and speech.
  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms like "examine," "assess," "evaluate," "critique," or "comment on" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of situation are you thinking about using "review" in? (e.g., writing a blog post, talking about a movie, discussing a company process)?

Practice with vocabulary review

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Before submitting the final report, please __________ all the data for accuracy.
  2. The management committee will __________ the project's feasibility study next Monday.
  3. We need to carefully __________ the financial implications of this new strategy.
  4. The auditor's task is to __________ the company's financial records for compliance.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The project manager asked us to __________ the updated design before the client meeting. a) overlook b) review c) inspect d) disregard

  2. The committee decided to __________ the current policy regarding remote work after receiving employee feedback. a) amend b) revise c) review d) dismiss

  3. It is standard procedure to __________ an employee's performance annually. a) evaluate b) appraise c) review d) judge

  4. The scientists spent weeks trying to __________ the complex experimental data for patterns. a) interpret b) generalize c) analyze d) replicate

  5. Before making a final decision, the CEO requested a detailed __________ of all available market research. a) summary b) synthesis c) forecast d) brief

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: We need to go over the budget thoroughly before presenting it. Rewrite using "review" or a related word form:

  2. Original: The team will periodically assess its progress towards the quarterly goals. Rewrite using "review" or a related word form:

  3. Original: A close examination of the contract clauses is essential before signing. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word (do not use "review"):


Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. review
  2. review
  3. assess
  4. audit

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) review, c) inspect
  2. c) review
  3. a) evaluate, b) appraise, c) review
  4. a) interpret, c) analyze
  5. a) summary, d) brief

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. We need to review the budget thoroughly before presenting it.
  2. The team will periodically review its progress towards the quarterly goals.
  3. A close scrutiny of the contract clauses is essential before signing.

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