Inspection means examining something carefully and thoroughly to check its condition, quality, or safety. When a building inspector comes to a new house, she looks closely at the electrical wiring, plumbing, and structure to make sure everything meets safety standards. When a coach inspects the soccer field before a game, he walks around checking for holes, broken glass, or anything that could hurt players.

A health inspector might visit a restaurant kitchen to make sure the food is stored properly and surfaces are clean. A teacher might conduct a locker inspection to ensure students aren't storing things they shouldn't have at school.

You can also inspect things yourself. Before a long family road trip, your parents might inspect the car, checking the tire pressure, oil level, and making sure the spare tire is in good shape. When you proofread your essay carefully before turning it in, you're essentially inspecting your own work, looking for errors or places where you could write more clearly.

The key to a good inspection is paying close attention to details that others might miss. A quick look isn't an inspection. True inspection requires focus, knowledge of what to look for, and the patience to examine something thoroughly.