closely concentrate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "closely concentrate" is not commonly used in written English and may sound redundant.
You can use it when emphasizing the need for intense focus on a specific task or subject, although it may be better to choose a more standard expression. Example: "In order to solve this complex problem, you need to closely concentrate on the details provided."

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The programme, which has been widely praised within the Scottish high school system, uses more than 5,000 quizzes and assessments, which allow parents and pupils to track progress and allows teachers to closely concentrate their learning support where pupils need it most.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

This matter is closely concentrated in a plane, a flat region commonly known as the galactic disk.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As in the South, men of high occupational status and social prestige were closely concentrated in leadership positions in their respective colonies; in New England, merchants, lawyers, and to a lesser extent clergymen made up the bulk of the social and political elite.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Espousing the 18th-century military theory that seizing "key strategic points" was more important than destroying enemy armies, he kept his forces closely concentrated and enjoined his army commanders to avoid a general engagement at all costs and to entrench at every halt.

The New York Times

The entire party and Chinese people of all ethnic groups will be more closely united to concentrate on construction and development in order to consistently push forward the cause of China's reform, opening up, and modernization.

The New York Times

Democracy Works, which has focused in the past on lobbying politicians for election and campaign finance reform, decided to concentrate more closely on the voters themselves for this election.

The New York Times

Brock and Rabin-Havt also concentrate so closely on the farrago of conspiratorial nonsense spouted by the likes of Beck that they exaggerate its practical significance.

The New York Times - Books

A new electronic pass, which would identify containerized cargo and the short-haul truckers ferrying it, would free border guards and inspectors to concentrate more closely on suspicious people and goods.

The New York Times

Even for him, however, it is a struggle: in early September, Shockwave announced that it was cutting 20 of its 170 staff, to concentrate more closely on interactive content and games.

The Economist

But none of those biographers have had either the will or the wherewithal to concentrate as closely on Forster's sexuality as Wendy Moffat, an impressive first-time biographer who teaches at Dickinson College.

The New York Times - Books

I listened closely as always, concentrating on the facts of the case.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to emphasize the intensity of focus on a specific task or subject, consider using "closely concentrate". However, be aware that it can sometimes sound redundant, so choose it judiciously.

Common error

Avoid using "closely concentrate" when a simpler verb like "focus" or "concentrate" suffices. Redundancy can weaken your writing, so aim for conciseness where possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "closely concentrate" functions as an adverb-verb combination, where "closely" modifies the verb "concentrate", intensifying the action. Ludwig AI suggests that the phrase may sound redundant.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "closely concentrate" is an adverb-verb combination used to emphasize the intensity of focus. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig AI highlights that it can often sound redundant, and that is confirmed by the fact that Ludwig marks this phrase as uncommon. Therefore, when aiming for conciseness and clarity, it's often preferable to opt for alternatives like "focus intently" or "concentrate deeply".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focus intently

Replaces "closely concentrate" with a more direct and common expression for strong focus.

concentrate deeply

Emphasizes the depth of concentration rather than the closeness of the action.

focus sharply

Highlights the precision and clarity of focus.

pay close attention

Shifts the focus to attentiveness rather than the act of concentrating itself.

apply oneself diligently

Emphasizes the effort and dedication involved in concentrating.

immerse oneself

Suggests a complete absorption in the task or subject.

dedicate full attention

Highlights the commitment of one's entire focus.

center one's thoughts

Emphasizes mental alignment and focus.

keep a close watch

Shifts the meaning to observation, maintaining focus on monitoring.

hone in on

Implies a narrowing of focus to a specific point or detail.

FAQs

Is "closely concentrate" grammatically correct?

While grammatically acceptable, "closely concentrate" may sound redundant. It's often better to use stronger verbs like "focus intently" or "concentrate deeply".

What does "closely concentrate" mean?

"Closely concentrate" means to focus one's attention very carefully and thoroughly on something. It emphasizes the intensity of focus.

When should I use "closely concentrate"?

Use "closely concentrate" when you want to emphasize the need for intense focus, but be mindful of potential redundancy. Consider alternatives if they convey the meaning more concisely.

Are there alternatives to "closely concentrate" that avoid redundancy?

Yes, alternatives include "focus sharply", "pay close attention", or simply "concentrate", depending on the context.