closely investigate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "closely investigate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to convey the idea of examining or researching something in detail. Example: The scientist decided to closely investigate the effects of climate change on polar bears by studying their behavior, habitat, and food sources.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

In 2002 the full genomic sequence of P. falciparum was published, enabling scientists to more closely investigate its genetic history.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Another would be to closely investigate any instances of suspicious behaviour by traders, as already practised by the US futures trading supervisory body, it said.

The Guardian - Business

This one-day Masterclass offers not-for-profits the chance to reassess their approach to digital marketing and closely investigate their goals, tactical approach and expected outcomes.

The Guardian

"We also need a committee of inquiry here in Germany in order to assess all these incidents and closely investigate the operations of undercover agents.

The Guardian

As a class, closely investigate an epidemic, such as the bubonic plague or the Ebola virus, and learn about how it impacted the countries or societies it ravaged at its height.

The New York Times

Recent findings about the salient geophysics involved in intertidal sediments made it possible to closely investigate the linkage between the waterfront geoenvironment and the ecology of intertidal flats.

Soils and Foundations

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

They said the incident was being closely investigated, though no blame had yet been assigned.

The New York Times

(The historian Joseph Brennan has closely investigated the stations and has posted his research at columbia.edu/~brennan).edu/~brennan

The New York Times

Of sun-like stars that have been closely investigated for any length of time, 15% have planets.

The Economist

The police are closely investigating the killing, but Mr. Were's friends and family say he was not robbed and that the killing was a professional hit.

The New York Times

While motorcycle accidents are closely investigated, it is not known how many lives are saved or crashes prevented by the new technology.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "closely investigate", ensure your writing clearly indicates what is being investigated and the purpose of the investigation. This adds clarity and focus to your analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "closely investigate" in vague or overly broad contexts. This phrase implies a detailed examination, so it should be reserved for situations where specific aspects are being scrutinized, otherwise, it can appear hyperbolic and diminish the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "closely investigate" functions as a verb phrase, where "closely" modifies the verb "investigate", indicating the manner in which the investigation is conducted. Ludwig's examples show it is commonly used to describe a thorough examination or inquiry.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "closely investigate" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that indicates a detailed and thorough examination. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is most frequently found in scientific and news contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using "closely investigate", it's essential to specify what is being investigated and to avoid redundancy by omitting "in detail". Alternatives such as "examine in detail" or "scrutinize carefully" can be used to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Examine in detail

This alternative replaces "investigate" with "examine in detail", focusing on the depth of the analysis.

Scrutinize carefully

This alternative suggests a more critical and meticulous examination.

Analyze thoroughly

This alternative emphasizes the analytical aspect of the investigation.

Delve into deeply

This alternative suggests a more profound and intensive exploration.

Look into closely

This alternative is more informal, replacing "investigate" with "look into".

Explore meticulously

This alternative emphasizes a careful and detailed exploration.

Probe deeply

This alternative implies a focused and penetrating investigation.

Inspect meticulously

This alternative emphasizes a detailed and careful inspection.

Research extensively

This alternative emphasizes the research aspect of the investigation.

Study intently

This alternative suggests a focused and careful study.

FAQs

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

Use "closely investigate" when you want to express a detailed and thorough examination of something. For example, "The scientist decided to "closely investigate" the effects of climate change."

What are some alternatives to "closely investigate"?

Alternatives include "examine in detail", "scrutinize carefully", or "analyze thoroughly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "closely investigate in detail"?

Yes, saying "closely investigate in detail" can be redundant because "closely investigate" already implies a detailed examination. Choose one or the other for clarity.

What's the difference between "closely investigate" and "superficially examine"?

"Closely investigate" implies a thorough and detailed examination, while "superficially examine" suggests a brief or surface-level review. The former is intensive, and the latter is cursory.