closely followed

USAGE SUMMARY

"closely followed" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe two or more items that come one after the other in quick succession. For example, you might say, "The police officer quickly apprehended the suspect, closely followed by a team of backup officers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(Closely followed by its portions).

The New Yorker

His market bets are now closely followed.

The New York Times

His father had closely followed the manhunt.

The New York Times - Sports

It is closely followed by Singapore.

The Economist

Meanwhile, he closely followed events in England.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The vote closely followed party lines.

The New York Times

Jeff Weaver has closely followed Jered's progress.

The New York Times - Sports

The design closely followed the manuals.

The New York Times

He is closely followed by two volunteers.

The Guardian

Closely followed by Kermit the Frog.

The New York Times

Newspapers in Connecticut closely followed the prison relocation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "closely followed" to clearly indicate a direct and immediate sequence of events or actions, creating a sense of continuity and connection for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "closely followed" when you mean simply 'similar to' or 'resembling'. The phrase implies a sequence or direct relationship, not just a resemblance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "closely followed" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier, indicating the manner in which an action is performed or a sequence of events unfolds. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides numerous examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "closely followed" is a versatile adverbial phrase indicating immediate sequence or careful monitoring. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used in various contexts, especially within News & Media and Science. While its connotations are often neutral to professional, it’s important to differentiate its meaning from simple similarity or resemblance. Alternatives such as "carefully monitored" or "immediately subsequent" may be more appropriate depending on the intended nuance. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively use "closely followed" to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

carefully monitored

Focuses on the aspect of vigilance and observation rather than direct succession.

attentively watched

Highlights the attentiveness of the observation, differing from mere sequence.

rigorously tracked

Emphasizes the thoroughness and precision of the tracking, not just proximity in time or space.

immediately subsequent

Shifts the focus to the timing of events, specifying that something happened right after another.

directly succeeding

Indicates a direct sequential relationship, emphasizing the order of occurrence.

in close pursuit

Focuses on the act of chasing or following with intention, implying a goal.

under close observation

Highlights the act of observing, suggesting a purpose or intent behind the observation.

under strict supervision

Highlights the aspect of oversight and control, rather than just following.

faithfully replicated

Highlights that something was replicated in a faithful manner.

scrupulously adhered to

Emphasizes strict adherence to rules or guidelines, shifting the context away from simple sequence.

FAQs

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

You can use "closely followed" to describe something that happens immediately after another. For example, "The announcement was "closely followed" by a press conference".

What are some alternatives to "closely followed"?

Alternatives include "carefully monitored", "attentively watched", or "immediately subsequent", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "closely followed by"?

Yes, the phrase "closely followed by" is grammatically correct and commonly used to indicate that something comes directly after something else.

What's the difference between "closely followed" and "widely followed"?

"Closely followed" implies a sequence or monitoring aspect, while "widely followed" suggests popularity or adherence by many people.