closely follow

USAGE SUMMARY

"closely follow" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a situation in which you pay close attention or adhere strictly to something. For example, you could say: "We need to closely follow the instructions if we want the project to succeed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In the following, we will closely follow the discussion on absorbing Markov chains presented in [25].

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

We should very closely follow the online model for closing the education gap.

Huffington Post

Hispanics closely follow.

The New York Times

Contempt can closely follow behind loss of respect.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We will closely follow the latest development," she added.

The New York Times

The vocal lines closely follow the natural flow of the words without seeming like endless recitative.

The New York Times - Arts

A beacon inside his suit meant his recovery helicopter was able to closely follow him.

The Guardian - Sport

Even some people who closely follow the campaigns have had trouble distinguishing the candidates.

The New York Times

Wage levels and cost of living (38%) and job prospects (36%) closely follow.

The Guardian

The French more closely follow events in the francophonie, specifically Congo, Rwanda, Vietnam and Cambodia.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We will closely follow the situation and reserve our right to take further actions".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "closely follow" with specific details to clarify what exactly is being monitored or adhered to.

Common error

Avoid using "closely follow" in very informal or casual writing where simpler alternatives like "watch" or "track" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "closely follow" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of carefully monitoring, adhering to, or tracking something. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a grammatically sound and widely accepted usage. Examples include "closely follow the instructions" or "closely follow the news" (from Ludwig).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

41%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "closely follow" is a verb phrase used to express careful monitoring, tracking, or adherence. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It's most frequently used in News & Media and Science contexts, with a neutral to professional tone. While versatile, it is best used in situations where careful attention is crucial. For less formal situations, consider alternatives like "monitor attentively" or "observe carefully".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

follow precisely

Emphasizes following directions or instructions with precision.

adhere strictly

Highlights the aspect of strict adherence to rules or guidelines.

keep a close watch

Stresses the act of keeping something under surveillance.

monitor attentively

Focuses on the act of monitoring with great attention.

observe carefully

Emphasizes the careful observation of something.

stick rigidly

Highlights the aspect of rigid adherence to a plan or method.

track meticulously

Highlights the precise and detailed tracking of something.

mind attentively

Emphasizes paying close attention and being mindful of something.

scrutinize intensely

Focuses on intense and critical examination.

remain attentive

Implies a sustained state of attentiveness and vigilance.

FAQs

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

You can use "closely follow" to indicate careful monitoring or adherence. For example, "We must closely follow the guidelines to ensure success" or "Experts closely follow economic trends to predict market changes".

What does it mean to "closely follow" something?

To "closely follow" something means to pay close attention to it, monitor its progress carefully, or adhere strictly to its rules or guidelines. It implies a high degree of focus and attention.

What are some alternatives to "closely follow"?

Alternatives include "monitor attentively", "adhere strictly", or "observe carefully". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "closely follow" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "closely follow" in formal, professional, or academic contexts where precise monitoring or strict adherence is required. It may be less suitable for very casual communication.