close observation of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close observation of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of carefully watching or monitoring something or someone for a specific purpose. Example: "The scientist conducted a close observation of the animal's behavior in its natural habitat."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

By close observation of the picture, bright and dark regions were observed in these mixed micelles further.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Colorful and simply rendered paintings based on close observation of dances share wall space.

The New York Times

It is founded on careful, close observation of things that typically pass unnoticed through our world.

The Guardian - Books

He turned instead to close observation of the forest floor, and ants.

The New York Times - Science

Realism rejects imaginative idealization in favour of a close observation of outward appearances.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His process, he said, was aided by close observation of the former convicts.

The New York Times

Guercino's caricatures also helped revolutionize 17th-century painting, for they were based on close observation of the subject's appearance.

The New York Times

Though Robertson's work is informed by close observation of the natural world, this isn't in any sense nature writing.

The Guardian - Books

Gill Lewis has written three adventure stories with a conservation theme based on close observation of a particular, at-risk animal.

The Guardian

The play sprang out of Mamet's close observation of streetlife and the vitality of the 1970s Chicago theatre scene, in which anything was possible.

The Guardian

Mr. Marchiori brings to his work 40 years of art studies, close observation of Italy's greatest painters and his experience as a decorative artist.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing scientifically or technically, use "close observation of" to emphasize rigorous and detailed examination. For example, "The study involved a "close observation of" cellular behavior under varying conditions."

Common error

Avoid phrases like "very close observation of" as "close" already implies a high degree of attention. Instead, focus on describing what was observed and the specific methods used.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close observation of" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing a detailed and careful examination, frequently in scientific, artistic, or analytical contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close observation of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe detailed and careful examination. Ludwig AI indicates that it is most commonly found in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, avoid redundancy and consider alternatives like "careful scrutiny of" or "detailed examination of" depending on the specific context. Use "close observation of" to emphasize thoroughness in scientific or technical writing, and to highlight the importance of detailed scrutiny.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

careful scrutiny of

Focuses on the thoroughness and detail-oriented nature of the examination.

detailed examination of

Emphasizes the depth and comprehensiveness of the investigation.

thorough inspection of

Highlights the completeness and meticulousness of the observation.

minute inspection of

Underscores the attention to small details during the observation.

attentive monitoring of

Stresses continuous and watchful oversight.

diligent surveillance of

Implies persistent and careful watching, often for a specific purpose.

critical assessment of

Focuses on evaluating and judging the observed subject.

rigorous analysis of

Highlights the strict and methodical approach to understanding the subject.

in-depth study of

Emphasizes a comprehensive and profound investigation.

keen awareness of

Stresses the sharp and perceptive understanding gained from observation.

FAQs

How can I use "close observation of" in a sentence?

Use "close observation of" to indicate a careful and detailed examination. For example, "The researcher's "close observation of" the patient's symptoms led to an accurate diagnosis."

What are some alternatives to "close observation of"?

You can use phrases like "careful scrutiny of", "detailed examination of", or "thorough inspection of" as alternatives to "close observation of", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "close observation of" or "careful observation of"?

Both "close observation of" and "careful observation of" are acceptable. "Close observation of" emphasizes meticulousness, while "careful observation of" highlights attentiveness. The choice depends on the context.

What's the difference between "observation of" and "close observation of"?

"Observation of" generally refers to the act of noticing something. "Close observation of", in contrast, implies a more deliberate, detailed, and focused examination. For example, you might make a casual "observation of" the weather, but conduct a "close observation of" a scientific experiment.