close to the text

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to the text" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is often used to indicate that something is very relevant to the topic or text being discussed. For example, you could say: "His comments about the article were very close to the text."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Stick close to the text.

The New Yorker

GIRARD: We're very close to the text.

The New Yorker

Hereditary insanity!" Not everyone stuck close to the text.

The New York Times - Books

I prefer to stay close to the text when I'm translating.

The Guardian - Books

What's more, the menu bar showing cut, copy and share has been rejigged so now it floats close to the text itself.

The Guardian - Tech

Called Lev Shalem, Hebrew for "whole heart," it hews close to the text's traditional Hebrew, but adds translations, commentaries and optional readings to adapt the book to modern sensibilities.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Coding was done manually, close-to-the-text, and was thus inductive [ 24], paying attention to key words that described an idea followed by categorization into themes.

BMC Psychiatry

Codings and paraphrases were formed very close to the texts.

BMC Health Services Research

And no critic gets closer to the text.

The New York Times - Books

He stuck closer to the text, conveying its sparseness as well as its stateliness and flashes of wry humor.

The New York Times - Books

While it's certainly fair to bring modern perspectives to bear on ancient authors, a reading that stuck closer to the text may have vitiated, or at least challenged, such a strategy.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing or interpreting a source, use "close to the text" to show that your analysis is firmly based on the original material and not on speculation or personal opinion.

Common error

Avoid simply repeating the text without analysis. Being "close to the text" means your interpretation should be directly supported by the source material, not just a restatement of it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to the text" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the manner in which an action is performed. It describes how something is analyzed, translated, or interpreted, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close to the text" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe analyses or interpretations that adhere closely to the original source material. As verified by Ludwig, it is found in various contexts, including scientific research, news reports, and general writing. To use it effectively, ensure that your interpretations are directly supported by specific textual evidence, avoiding speculation or personal opinions. Common errors include simply restating the text without analysis. Alternatives like "faithful to the text" or "true to the text" can be used to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

faithful to the text

Emphasizes loyalty and adherence to the original text's meaning and intent.

true to the text

Highlights the authenticity and genuineness of the representation.

accurate to the text

Focuses on the correctness and precision of the information conveyed.

adhering to the text

Stresses the act of following the text's guidelines and details.

sticking to the text

Implies a deliberate choice to remain within the confines of the original text.

remaining within the text

Highlights the containment of analysis or interpretation within the text itself.

keeping within the confines of the text

Similar to remaining within the text but more emphatic about the restriction.

consistent with the text

Focuses on maintaining uniformity and agreement with the text's content.

in accordance with the text

Highlights the alignment and harmony with the original text.

preserving the integrity of the text

Emphasizes the importance of maintaining the text's original state and quality.

FAQs

What does it mean to stay "close to the text" in literary analysis?

Staying "close to the text" in literary analysis means to base your interpretations and arguments directly on the words, phrases, and structures found in the text itself, rather than relying on external sources or personal opinions.

How can I ensure my analysis remains "close to the text"?

To ensure your analysis remains "close to the text", consistently cite specific passages, explain their significance in detail, and demonstrate how they support your overall argument. Avoid generalizations or unsupported claims.

What are some alternatives to saying "close to the text"?

You can use alternatives such as "faithful to the text", "true to the text", or "adhering to the text" to convey a similar meaning, emphasizing adherence to the original source.

What is the difference between "close to the text" and "reading between the lines"?

"Close to the text" refers to analyzing what is explicitly stated, while "reading between the lines" involves inferring meaning that is not directly stated but suggested or implied.