a close reading

USAGE SUMMARY

"a close reading" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to an analysis of a text that focuses on details and accounts for multiple interpretations. For example: "A close reading of the text reveals unexpected nuances in the author's argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(A close reading of online comments threads says yes).

The New Yorker

A close reading of the law may not support that.

The New York Times

But a close reading of the text might suggest otherwise.

The New York Times

Can quantitative literary analysis inform a close reading?

The New Yorker

But those broad characterizations tend to crumble under a close reading of the films.

The New York Times

But a close reading of the language suggests he has left himself an out.

The New York Times

As you can imagine, Mr Cain's opus does not much benefit from a close reading.

The Economist

If such a close reading sounds like a stretch, Mr. Chappelle invites such interpretations.

The New York Times - Arts

"A close reading like that is all an artist can hope for," she said.

The New Yorker

A close reading of the judgment shows that the court ruled on a very narrow issue.

The New York Times

Naomi Frame, the teacher, guided the students in a close reading of a few paragraphs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a close reading" to uncover subtle nuances and complexities within a text that might not be immediately apparent.

Common error

Avoid summarizing the text instead of providing "a close reading". Your interpretation should delve beneath the surface meaning and offer insightful analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a close reading" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the act of analyzing a text meticulously, paying close attention to detail. Ludwig confirms that it's correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a close reading" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that signifies a detailed and careful analysis of a text. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It's frequently found in news media and academic contexts, serving to emphasize the depth and thoroughness of the analysis. When employing this phrase, focus on providing specific textual evidence to support your interpretations and avoid superficial summaries. Alternatives such as "a careful analysis" or "a detailed examination" can be used to convey similar meanings. The consistent use of this phrase across reputable sources underscores its importance in analytical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a careful analysis

Focuses on the thoroughness and precision of the analysis itself, shifting emphasis from the act of reading to the quality of the analysis.

a detailed examination

Emphasizes the level of detail involved in the review, highlighting the thoroughness of the investigation.

a thorough investigation

Highlights the comprehensiveness of the inquiry, suggesting a systematic and exhaustive approach.

an in-depth study

Stresses the depth and intensity of the analysis, implying a deep dive into the subject matter.

a critical analysis

Indicates an analytical approach with an evaluation and judgment component, differing from simply understanding.

a meticulous review

Emphasizes the care and precision taken in the review process, stressing attention to detail.

a fine-grained interpretation

Focuses on interpreting details, suggesting careful discernment and attention to nuances.

a granular assessment

Highlights the detailed and specific nature of the assessment, emphasizing the examination of individual components.

a deep dive

Is a more informal way to indicate an in-depth analysis or exploration of a topic.

scrutinizing

A verb form of the phrase, it is a careful and critical examination of something.

FAQs

How can I improve my "a close reading" skills?

Practice identifying patterns, ambiguities, and literary devices within texts. Look for evidence to support your interpretations, and consider alternative viewpoints.

What's the difference between "a close reading" and a regular reading?

"A close reading" involves a much deeper engagement with the text, focusing on specific details and nuances to uncover deeper meanings. A regular reading is often for comprehension only.

What can I analyze during "a close reading"?

You can analyze various elements such as word choice, sentence structure, literary devices, themes, and historical context to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the text.

When is it appropriate to use "a close reading"?

It is appropriate when you need to deeply understand and interpret a text, such as in literary analysis, legal interpretation, or critical reviews. It's similar to alternatives such as "a careful analysis" or "a detailed examination".