A Thorough Explanation of the Meaning and Usage of “reviews”|English Expressions, Example Sentences, and How to Make the Most of Reliable Reviews

Have you ever found yourself unsure about the exact meaning or proper usage of the word “reviews” when studying English or in business settings? In fact, the English word “review” differs from the Japanese “レビュー” not only in nuance but also in scope. According to major dictionary data from [2023], “review” covers a wide range of meanings—not just “evaluation” or “critique,” but also “revision” and “investigation.”

Especially in global business and the IT field, the rules for handling reviews and the ability to judge their reliability are directly linked to results. The latest research shows that over 90% of the entire industry is incorporating reviews into marketing and service improvement strategies.

You might also be curious about the differences between similar expressions like “reviews,” “reviewed,” and “recommendations,” or how to apply them in daily conversation, academic writing, and product reviews. In this article, using real example sentences from English-language sites and successful case studies from the field, we will thoroughly explain everything from definitions and practical usage to foolproof methods for evaluating reviews.

“If I leave it ambiguous, I might lose out.” “I just want information I can really trust.”—If that sounds like you, this article will provide solid knowledge and practical know-how. Read on and gain a clear understanding of what reviews are all about.

What Are “reviews”? In-Depth Explanation of Meaning, Definition, and Etymology

“Reviews” is the plural form of the English word “review,” and is mainly used to mean “evaluation,” “critique,” “book review,” or “review.” You’ll encounter this word in a variety of contexts—on the internet, in business, or in everyday conversation. In Japanese, it has also become established as a katakana word, often used to broadly express impressions or evaluations of products, services, movies, books, and more. In recent years, its role in gathering consumer opinions—on Google or review sites, for example—has become even more prominent.

The Etymology and Origins of “reviews”

“Reviews” comes from the Latin “revidere,” meaning “to look again.” From this “revidere,” meanings such as “to review,” “to revise,” and “to re-evaluate” developed, eventually becoming the modern English “review.” In the English-speaking world, it has been widely used with the sense of “evaluation” or “critique” since around the 17th century.
Below is a summary of the etymology.

English WordOriginDevelopment of Meaning
reviewrevidereTo review, to re-evaluate
reviewsPlural of reviewMultiple evaluations/critiques

As you can see, “reviews” is the ideal word for expressing “multiple evaluations” or “various opinions.”

The Definition of “reviews” and How to Use the Plural

“Review” as a noun means “evaluation,” “critique,” or “book review;” as a verb, it means “to look over,” “to evaluate.” “Reviews” is its plural form and refers to multiple evaluations or critiques, or opinions from multiple people.
Examples of usage are as follows:

  • Examples of product or service evaluations
  1. This product has many positive reviews.
  2. The website collects user reviews about restaurants.
  • Examples of movie or book reviews
  1. The movie received excellent reviews.
  2. There are several reviews of this novel online.

Key Points

  • When “review” is used as a countable noun, the plural form is “reviews”
  • In business and IT, it is also used in phrases like “review meeting” or “code review”

The Correct Pronunciation and Accent of “review”

The pronunciation of “review” in English is “rɪˈvjuː.” The accent is on the second syllable, “view.” While the katakana representation “リビュー” is common in Japanese, the actual pronunciation is closer to “リヴュー.”
The pronunciation points are summarized in the table below.

English WordPhonetic SymbolAccent PositionKatakana Example
reviewrɪˈvjuː2nd syllableリビュー、リヴュー

By paying attention to correct pronunciation and accent, your message will be conveyed more clearly in English conversations and presentations. If you’re unsure about pronunciation, it’s a good idea to check using online dictionaries or audio features.

Specific Uses and Example Sentences for “reviews”

How to Use “reviews” in Everyday English Conversation

“Reviews” is an English word that means “review,” “evaluation,” or “critique,” and is frequently used in daily English conversations. As a verb, it can also mean “to review” or “to reconsider,” but as a noun, it generally refers to “book reviews,” “user feedback,” or “impressions.” Here are some example sentences:

English ExampleJapanese TranslationKey Point
I always read reviews before buying something online.ネットで何か買う前に必ずレビューを読みます。Used as a reference when making purchase decisions
She left positive reviews for her favorite restaurant.彼女はお気に入りのレストランに良いレビューを書きました。Expression for giving feedback on services or shops
The movie received mixed reviews.その映画は賛否両論のレビューがありました。Used when opinions are divided

Key Points

  • “Reviews” is a useful word in many everyday situations, such as “reading or writing evaluations” and “checking user feedback.”
  • Since it is the plural form of “review,” it can collectively express multiple opinions or impressions.

How to Use “reviews” in Business and IT Fields

In business and IT fields, “reviews” has specialized meanings such as “examination,” “peer review,” or “quality check.” It is used in contexts like evaluating projects or services, reflecting on business improvements, and reviewing code in software development.

SceneExample SentenceExplanation
Project MeetingWe will conduct quarterly performance reviews.We conduct performance reviews every quarter. Used for personnel evaluation or business progress reviews
IT DevelopmentCode reviews help maintain software quality.Code reviews help maintain software quality. Important as part of the development process
Service EvaluationCustomer reviews are essential for improving our services.Customer reviews are essential for improving our services. Reflects user feedback

Points for Use

  • “Reviews” within teams or projects directly contribute to quality improvement and identifying issues.
  • In IT, the word “review” itself refers to a key process, so it is used frequently.

How to Use “reviews” in Academic Papers and Book Reviews

In academic, literary, or publishing fields, “reviews” means “peer review,” “critique,” or “book review.” To ensure the reliability of research results, papers undergo peer reviews, and evaluations of books, movies, and exhibitions are also called reviews.

UsageExample SentenceNote
Academic PapersThe manuscript is under peer review.The paper is under peer review. A standard expression in academia
Book ReviewsThe book received excellent reviews in major newspapers.The book received excellent reviews in major newspapers. Evaluation of publications
ExhibitionsArt reviews in magazines provide critical perspectives.Art reviews in magazines provide critical perspectives. Opinions and analysis from experts

Key Points

  • In academic and publishing fields, “reviews” means “evaluation,” “examination,” or “critique,” and is essential for ensuring accuracy and reliability.
  • Specialized terms such as “peer reviews” and “book reviews” are required in these contexts.
  • Since “reviews” is used in many different genres, it’s important to understand and use it correctly according to the context.

Comparison and Distinction of Collocations and Synonyms Related to “reviews”

reviews are used in a wide range of situations, including English learning, business, and various types of service evaluations. However, the way information is conveyed can differ greatly depending on how you distinguish reviews from similar or related terms. The table below compares the main terms and clarifies the appropriate choice in different contexts.

TermMain MeaningExample UsageTypical Usage Context
reviewsEvaluation, critiqueproduct reviewsEvaluation of products or services
recommendationsRecommendation, advicebook recommendationsSuggestions, advice
feedbackOpinions, impressionscustomer feedbackSharing impressions or suggestions for improvement
commentComment, opinionuser commentBrief opinions or remarks
書評・批評Review, critique of books or works書評コーナー (book review section)Evaluation in cultural or artistic fields

While reviews focus on “evaluation” and “critique,” the other terms should be chosen according to purpose and nuance.

Differences between reviews and recommendations

reviews mainly mean “evaluation” or “critique,” and are used to objectively convey the pros and cons of products, movies, services, and so on. On the other hand, recommendations carry the nuance of “suggestion” or “advice,” actively encouraging others to choose the subject in question. For example, reviews are centered on facts and impressions, while recommendations have a stronger connotation of proposing, “You should choose this.”

  • reviews: Comprehensive evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of products or services
  • recommendations: Introduction of something as a recommendation, based on personal preference or reliability

In English learning and business settings, choosing between the two according to content clarifies your intent and the impression you wish to convey.

Differences between reviews, feedback, and comment

reviews involve systematic evaluation or detailed critique, while feedback is used for sharing impressions or opinions from users or recipients, often with the aim of improvement or response. comment refers to brief, simple opinions or on-the-spot impressions.

  • reviews: Overall evaluation and detailed analysis
  • feedback: Impressions or suggestions for improvement based on experience
  • comment: One-off or brief opinions

For example, web services collect “feedback” to improve their offerings, while the “comment” section of SNS or articles receives casual impressions or questions.

Distinction between reviews and 書評・批評

reviews is a general term for “evaluation” or “critique” commonly used in English-speaking contexts, whereas in Japanese, 書評 (book review) and 批評 (critique) refer specifically to specialized evaluations of books, movies, and works of art. reviews covers a broader range of subjects than 書評 or 批評 and is adaptable to a variety of contexts, from everyday conversation to business.

  • reviews: Evaluation of a wide range of subjects such as products, services, and works
  • 書評: Evaluation specific to books, with detailed analysis of content and significance
  • 批評: Specialized analysis or evaluation of art or works

Correctly distinguishing between these terms enhances the reliability and expertise of your information. Understanding the differences and choosing the appropriate expression for each situation is important.

Representative products, services, and topics involving reviews

In many situations in daily life and business, “reviews” play an important role. Especially when choosing products or services, objective evaluations and testimonials from third parties provide a sense of trust and reassurance. Furthermore, in entertainment fields such as movies and music, reviews are indispensable for learning about the appeal and points to note regarding a work. Here, we will specifically explain representative examples and advantages of “reviews,” which are utilized across a wide variety of genres.

Concrete examples of product reviews

When purchasing a product, reviews from other users serve as valuable reference information. For example, with the latest smartphones, home appliances, or everyday goods, you can check detailed opinions about actual usability, durability, and functionality. Points like those below are especially noteworthy.

  • Product quality and performance
  • Ease of use and design
  • Support system and warranty details
  • Satisfaction or dissatisfaction after purchase

By utilizing tables, comparisons become easier, providing helpful material for making purchasing decisions.

Product CategoryKey Review PointsExample Reference
SmartphoneBattery life, operability, camera quality“The battery lasts long and is convenient”
Home ApplianceEase of use, ease of installation, quietness“Easy to install and very quiet”
Daily NecessitiesDurability, cost performance“Great value for money and long-lasting”

Review Examples for Movies, Music, and Services

In the entertainment field as well, “reviews” serve as a criterion for choosing works. For movies, albums, stage productions, and the like, opinions from critics and general users become evaluation standards, raising expectations for trending or new releases. For instance, searches for concrete titles such as “reviews life of a showgirl,” “reviews of wizard of oz at the sphere,” or “reviews of taylor swift album” are common.

  • Movie reviews: Evaluated from multiple angles, such as story, acting, visual beauty, and emotional impact
  • Music album reviews: Focus on song composition, lyrics, and the artist’s expressive ability
  • Service reviews: Evaluated for reservation ease, staff response, atmosphere, and more

Expressions and evaluation criteria are clearly stated, making it easy to compare review trends across different works.

The Importance of Reviews on Major Platforms

Nowadays, many users check reviews on well-known platforms like Google, Amazon, or Tabelog. These sites aggregate information in a variety of forms—star ratings, comments, photo uploads—supporting highly reliable decision-making. In particular, Google Reviews place importance on quantifiable evaluations of store or service reliability.

  • Amazon: Detailed reviews about product quality, shipping, and customer support
  • Google: Star ratings and comments expressing experiences and satisfaction with stores and services
  • Tabelog/Retty: Allow intuitive comparison of restaurant taste, atmosphere, and cost performance

By utilizing such reviews, users can more easily access real, experience-based information, making satisfying choices possible.

How to Research, Compare, and Evaluate Reviews

How to Identify Highly Reliable Reviews

To identify trustworthy reviews, it is important to check information from multiple perspectives. First, check the reviewer’s profile and posting history to see if they have actually used the product or service. Next, determine whether the review includes specific experiences or mentions details. Reviews that provide reasons or evidence—not just simple impressions or extreme ratings—tend to be more reliable. The following table summarizes points to check.

Check PointExample Content
Reviewer reliabilityReal name/photo provided, many past reviews
Specificity of experienceDetailed account of time, place, usage
Balanced evaluationBoth positive and negative points are mentioned
Consistency with other reviewsMany similar opinions for the same product/service

Tips for Efficiently Comparing Multiple Reviews

To efficiently compare multiple reviews, it’s important to focus on common evaluation criteria and keywords. First, rather than just looking at star ratings or scores, extract the specific pros and cons mentioned and organize them into a list. Next, check when each review was posted to determine whether the evaluation is based on the latest information. If you categorize the review content (such as by functionality, design, price, etc.), it becomes easier to grasp the characteristics and trends.

  • Focus more on content than on star ratings or scores
  • List out the pros and cons
  • Check the posting date and prioritize the latest information
  • Organize reviews by category

Understanding and Making Use of Evaluation Criteria and Rankings

When using reviews and rankings, it’s crucial to understand the basis for the evaluation criteria. For example, with “review ratings,” check not only the number of stars or the score, but also what standards are used for the rating. Also, rankings published by official sites or third-party organizations are often based on highly reliable data. The table below summarizes examples of major evaluation criteria.

Evaluation CriteriaExample Description
Star Rating/ScoreQuantifies users’ subjective satisfaction
Feature-Based RatingIndividual aspects such as usability, design, price
Third-Party RatingObjective evaluations by experts or research agencies
Ranking PositionRankings based on overall satisfaction or popularity

By considering these criteria comprehensively and using reviews or evaluation information that match your own objectives and priorities, you can make more satisfying choices.

Tips and Cautions for Making Use of Reviews

How to Write and Post Effective Reviews

When writing a review, organize your information in a way that gives readers a concrete image. Start with a concise description of the product or service’s features and your impressions, and honestly note what you liked and what you think could be improved. By keeping the following points in mind, you can create reviews that others trust.

  • Clearly state your reason for purchase or intended use
  • Describe in detail how it felt to use and what effects you experienced
  • List specific pros and cons
  • Include comparisons with other products or services
  • Avoid emotional expressions or exaggeration

Also, before posting, double-check for any typos or errors and ensure the content is accurate. The table below may also be helpful.

PointExample Content
Purpose of PurchaseSpecify the intended use, e.g., for work or hobby
Positive AspectsDescribe specifically, e.g., good usability, high cost performance
ConcernsFor example, size is large, noise is noticeable
Compared to OthersPoints where it excels or falls short compared to other products

Points to Note and Common Misunderstandings When Reading Reviews

When using reviews as a reference, keep in mind that individual impressions and circumstances may differ. It’s important not to take all opinions at face value, but to consider them comprehensively. Pay special attention to the following points:

  • Don’t judge based solely on extremely high or low ratings
  • Check the reviewer’s profile and usage situation
  • Give weight to opinions that appear in multiple reviews
  • Always check new reviews and the latest posts
  • Be cautious with very short or vague reviews

Since experiences can differ depending on when and under what circumstances a review was posted, referring to the latest information and a variety of opinions will help you make more satisfying decisions.

Legal and Ethical Considerations When Using Reviews

When posting or using reviews, legal and ethical considerations are required. Defamation or unfounded criticism may lead to legal trouble, such as libel. Please pay attention to the following points.

  • Post only content based on facts
  • Avoid including personal information
  • Do not infringe on the rights or privacy of others
  • Clearly state whether any compensation or incentives are involved
  • Depending on the content, posts may be deleted by the administrators

To maintain a trustworthy review environment, please observe proper manners and legal guidelines, and strive to provide accurate and sincere content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and Detailed Explanations about reviews

Japanese Translations and Nuances of “review”

“Review” is translated into Japanese as “レビュー,” “批評,” “評価,” or “書評,” among others. In English, “review” has a strong connotation of objectively evaluating or examining things or services, not just offering personal impressions. For example, a “review” of a movie or product typically includes both positive points and areas for improvement, along with personal experiences. It can also mean “revision” or “review” in the context of learning, such as “reviewing a lesson.” While “レビュー” in Japanese tends to have a somewhat casual nuance, in business or academic fields, the meaning of “evaluation” or “examination” becomes more important, so this distinction should be kept in mind.

Usage and Examples of “reviews” by Part of Speech

“Reviews” is mainly used as the plural form of the noun or verb. As a noun, it refers to “multiple reviews” or “several critiques.” As a verb, it appears as the third-person singular present (“reviews”), the past tense (“reviewed”), and the progressive form (“reviewing”), with usage depending on the context.

Part of SpeechForm / Example SentenceExplanation
NounShe reads many reviews online.Reads many reviews
VerbHe reviews reports every Friday.Checks reports every Friday
Past TenseThey reviewed the project yesterday.Reviewed the project yesterday

Additionally, in the IT industry, phrases like “code review” are used, while in education, terms like “test review” refer to the act of reviewing for tests, showing that the usage can vary by field.

The Difference and Usage of “review on” and “review of”

Both “review on” and “review of” mean “a review about ~,” but there are differences in how they are used.

UsageExample SentenceNuance
review ofThe review of the new movie was positive.Focuses on the thing itself
review onShe wrote a review on climate change policies.Focuses on a specific topic/theme

Generally, “review of” is most commonly used and refers to an evaluation of the object or service itself. “Review on” is more often used when expressing opinions about a topic, field, or theme. To use accurate English expressions, it is important to choose the appropriate preposition based on the context.

Questions about the Accent and Pronunciation of “review”

The phonetic transcription of “review” is [rɪˈvjuː], with the accent on the second syllable, “view.” In katakana, it is often written as “リビュー” or “レビュー,” but in English pronunciation, it sounds like “rivyu,” with a stronger emphasis on the “v” sound than in Japanese.

Pronunciation Tips

  • Place the accent on “view”
  • For the “v,” lightly bite your lower lip and pronounce it as “v”
  • For the “r,” use a rolled or curled tongue

Using correct pronunciation in English conversation or business situations will enhance your credibility. If you are unsure about pronunciation, it is recommended to check with an English-English dictionary or one that includes audio examples.

Latest Trends and Future Outlook of Reviews

Evolution of Reviews with SNS and AI Technology

In recent years, the widespread use of social media and the advancement of AI technology have significantly transformed the nature of reviews. Where text-based reviews once dominated, there is now an increasing use of videos and images, allowing a diverse range of user voices to be shared in real time. Especially on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, reviews based on actual experiences are easily disseminated, greatly influencing consumer purchasing behavior. In addition, generative AI is now being used to automatically summarize reviews or assess their reliability.

Key Points in the Evolution of Reviews

  • Enhanced reach through SNS integration
  • AI-powered automatic summarization and reliability analysis
  • Diversification of expressive methods utilizing images and videos

With these developments, reviews have evolved from a mere collection of opinions into a powerful source of information that strongly supports decisions about choosing products or using services.

Latest Examples of Global Review Trends

Review culture has uniquely developed in countries around the world and is deeply rooted in consumer behavior. Especially in the United States and Europe, comparison sites for products and services are well-established, and reviews have a direct impact on purchase decisions. In Japan as well, the use of word-of-mouth sites and Google Reviews has become commonplace, greatly influencing the reputation of companies and stores.

The table below summarizes notable global trends in reviews.

RegionMain Review PlatformsFeatures
USAGoogle, Yelp, AmazonExtensive ratings, comments, photos
EuropeTrustpilot, TripAdvisorEspecially active in travel and dining
JapanGoogle, Tabelog, RakutenEmphasis on reliability, detailed evaluations

As shown above, while there are differences in how reviews are used and the awareness of reliability in each country, their influence is growing everywhere.

Future Roles and Cautions for Reviews

Looking ahead, reviews are expected to become even more important as a standard for selecting products and services. On the other hand, measures to ensure information accuracy and prevent manipulation by third parties are essential. In particular, the increase in fake reviews and automated posts using AI is becoming a challenge.

Points to Note When Using Reviews

  1. Check information across multiple platforms
  2. Be cautious of extreme ratings or unnatural patterns
  3. While making use of AI summaries and filtering, also read the original text

From now on, it will be increasingly important for users themselves to correctly interpret reviews and select reliable information. Companies and services will also need to implement initiatives that ensure transparency and fairness.

Expert Commentary, Personal Experiences, and Data Analysis on Reviews

Expert Explanations and Key Points on Reviews

“Reviews” is the plural form of “review” in English, mainly meaning “evaluation,” “critique,” “book review,” or “re-examination.” In Japanese, the word “レビュー” has become well established and is used in a wide range of fields such as products, services, movies, music, and books. Especially in business and marketing, reviews contribute to enhancing reliability and brand image as customer feedback.

Focusing on the following points will deepen your understanding:

  • “Review” is a word used as both a noun and a verb, and “reviews” is its plural form
  • The Japanese “レビュー” broadly covers the meanings of the English “review”
  • Online, reviews are highly valued on services like Google and Amazon

Table: Main Differences in the Meaning of “Reviews” in English and Japanese

UsageEnglishJapanese Usage
NounEvaluation, critique, book reviewレビュー, evaluation, personal account
VerbTo evaluate, to re-examineレビューする, to review, to reconsider

Real Review Experiences and Success Stories

Here are some real-life experiences of utilizing reviews. For example, many people report that referring to reviews on Google or Tabelog when choosing a restaurant has greatly improved the quality of their experience. There are also numerous cases where companies have reflected customer reviews in their efforts to improve service quality, resulting in increased repeat rates and higher customer satisfaction.

  • Reviews play a decisive role in choosing restaurants and accommodations
  • Companies actively collect consumer feedback and use it to improve quality and products
  • Many people have experienced being thanked for writing reviews that helped other users

In this way, reviews have become a valuable source of information for both consumers and providers.

Analysis of Reviews Based on the Latest Data and Statistics

According to recent data, about 80% of internet users check reviews before using a product or service. Services with higher review ratings tend to be chosen more, and a larger number of reviews increases credibility.

Table: Review Reference Rate by Major Industry (Example)

IndustryReference Rate (%)
Restaurants88
Accommodations83
Home Appliances/Gadgets75
Books/Movies64
  • Star ratings in reviews have a significant impact on purchasing behavior
  • Responding appropriately to negative reviews can improve a company’s image
  • Multilingual reviews are increasing, and are especially important for companies expanding globally

Thus, reviews have become an indispensable element of modern consumer behavior.

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