as closely as

USAGE SUMMARY

"as closely as" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is used to compare something to another action or situation and to indicate a very close relationship between the two. For example, "She follows the rules as closely as possible to stay on the right side of the law."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As closely as could be learned or surmised, it was built according to traditional methods.

The New York Times

"This is the reason we're going to be watching the volcano as closely as we can".

The New York Times

He's replicated everything as closely as possible.

The New York Times

decisions are taken as closely as possible to the patient".

The Guardian

Try to maintain your diet as closely as possible.

Stanford University

"Audiences didn't follow as closely as I'd hoped," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

Try to estimate the income as closely as possible.

The New York Times

"I followed this ideal as closely as I could".

The New York Times

So European parties snuggle as closely as ever to businesses.

The Economist

Few poems can be dated as closely as Caedmon's "Hymn".

Encyclopedia Britannica

And those journalists should also imbibe style books and work to them as closely as possible.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as closely as", ensure that the comparison is clear and that the two elements being compared are logically related. For example, "Monitor the patient's vital signs as closely as possible to detect any changes early."

Common error

Avoid using "as closely as" when a superlative is more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "He followed the instructions as closely as anyone", consider "He followed the instructions most closely" if you want to emphasize that he was the best at following instructions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as closely as" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or adjectives to indicate the degree to which an action is performed or a quality is maintained. As Ludwig AI underlines, it serves to emphasize the proximity or similarity between two compared elements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

20%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as closely as" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate a high degree of similarity, accuracy, or adherence. According to Ludwig AI, it's a grammatically correct expression frequently found in diverse contexts, from news articles to academic papers. While its register is generally neutral, it can lean towards formal or professional based on the setting. When using the phrase, ensure the comparison is clear and logical, and avoid misusing it in place of a superlative. Similar phrases include "as precisely as" and "as accurately as".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as precisely as

Focuses on accuracy and exactness in replication or following instructions, emphasizing the degree of detail.

as exactly as

Emphasizes precision and lack of any variation, suitable when replicating a specific value or measurement.

as accurately as

Highlights the correctness and truthfulness of a measurement or representation, prioritizing fidelity.

as faithfully as

Highlights loyalty and adherence to original source or agreement, often used in adaptations or translations.

as meticulously as

Highlights the attention to detail and thoroughness, appropriate when describing careful and thorough processes.

to the same extent as

Emphasizes equivalence in degree or amount, suitable for comparing the impact or scope of actions.

in strict accordance with

Suggests compliance with rules, regulations, or guidelines with no deviation allowed.

as rigorously as

Stresses the strictness and thoroughness of an examination or process, often used in scientific or academic settings.

in a similar manner to

Stresses the similarity in method or style, applicable when describing parallel processes.

in direct proportion to

Indicates a clear and measurable relationship between two variables, typically in scientific or mathematical contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "as closely as" in a sentence?

You can use "as closely as" to compare how well something adheres to a standard or mirrors something else. For instance, "The replica resembles the original "as closely as" possible".

What phrases are similar to "as closely as"?

Similar phrases include "as precisely as", "as accurately as", or "to the same extent as", which all emphasize a high degree of similarity or adherence.

Is it correct to say "as closely as possible"?

Yes, "as closely as possible" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that something should be done with the greatest possible accuracy or similarity. For example, "Follow the recipe "as closely as" possible".

What's the difference between "as closely as" and "as near as"?

"As closely as" implies a high degree of accuracy or similarity, while "as near as" suggests an approximation. For instance, "I can estimate the cost "as near as" $100", but "I matched the color "as closely as" I could".