adhering too closely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adhering too closely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of following rules, guidelines, or principles in a strict or overly rigid manner. Example: "While it's important to follow the guidelines, we should avoid adhering too closely to them to allow for creativity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Critics accused him of adhering too closely to the "New German" school represented primarily by Liszt; Smetana responded that "a prophet is without honour in his own land".

Wikipedia

Considering a single ship of the line might have prevented the attack, Admiral Barrington was widely blamed for the loss, and criticised for adhering too closely to his orders.

Wikipedia

It initially found that by adhering too closely to the White Wolf source material rules for guns, where the effectiveness of a shot is determined in a contest between the player's skill and the opponent's defense, the firearms seemed broken; the player would not hit where they aimed.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

In his review Mr. Marks praised Mr. Bougere's "commanding performance" and the production design, but he wondered whether the play adhered too closely to the source material.

The New York Times

While these are both important forays into the application of Systemic Functional Grammar to Biblical Hebrew, neither account is wholly satisfactory, mainly due to their tendency to adhere too closely to categories established in descriptions of the English language.

Functional Linguistics

The play, however, does not adhere too closely to real events.

The New York Times

Do not stick too closely to cover.

WikiHow

However, he felt that it "maybe adheres a little too closely to 16-bit limits, especially in the amount of viewable gameplay area".

Wikipedia

The pia mater is too closely adhered to the brain and too fragile to act as a barrier for blood, and, therefore, there is no potential space between the pia and the brain for a hemorrhage to form.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sometimes too closely.

The New York Times - Arts

Or examine too closely.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "adhering too closely", consider if a more flexible approach would yield better results. Rigidity can stifle creativity and innovation.

Common error

Avoid "adhering too closely" to outdated or irrelevant guidelines. Regularly evaluate the necessity and effectiveness of rules to ensure they still serve their purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adhering too closely" functions as a participial phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun. It typically describes the manner in which someone or something follows rules, guidelines, or principles. As Ludwig AI states, it's perfectly acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "adhering too closely" is a grammatically sound participial phrase used to express that someone is following rules or guidelines with excessive rigidity. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. While grammatically correct, the phrase carries a negative connotation, implying that such strict adherence may be detrimental to creativity or effectiveness. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Wiki and Science contexts. When using this phrase, consider whether a more flexible approach might be more beneficial. Alternatives such as "sticking too rigidly" or "following too strictly" can provide similar meaning. Be mindful of overemphasizing rules and remember to evaluate their relevance regularly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sticking too rigidly

Emphasizes inflexibility in following rules or guidelines.

following too strictly

Highlights the rigor and lack of deviation in adherence.

observing too meticulously

Focuses on the extreme attention to detail in the adherence.

conforming too precisely

Stresses the exactness of the alignment or agreement.

maintaining excessive fidelity

Indicates an overemphasis on loyalty or accuracy.

remaining excessively faithful

Similar to maintaining fidelity, but highlights steadfastness.

being overly compliant

Focuses on the excess of agreement or obedience.

keeping excessively close

Emphasizes proximity, both physically and figuratively.

clinging too tightly

Highlights the possessive or unwavering nature of adherence.

hewing too slavishly

Implies a complete lack of originality or independent thought in adherence.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "adhering too closely" in a sentence?

Use "adhering too closely" when you want to express that someone is following rules, guidelines, or source material in an overly strict manner, potentially hindering creativity or effectiveness. For example, "The play "adhered too closely" to the novel, losing its own artistic voice".

What are some alternatives to "adhering too closely"?

Alternatives include "sticking too rigidly", "following too strictly", or "observing too meticulously". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "adhering too closely" grammatically correct?

Yes, "adhering too closely" is grammatically correct. It functions as a participial phrase, often used to modify a noun or pronoun, as confirmed by Ludwig.

What's the difference between "adhering closely" and "adhering too closely"?

"Adhering closely" simply means following something closely, without negative connotation. "Adhering too closely" implies that the adherence is excessive and potentially detrimental. For example, a company might "adhere closely" to safety regulations, but "adhere too closely" to old marketing strategies.