closely matches

USAGE SUMMARY

"closely matches" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to indicate that two items are very similar, but not quite the same. For example, "The model of the car closely matches the prototype we designed last month."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dempsey: "Our assessment very closely matches the French assessment".

The Guardian

Again, these calculations yield a density that closely matches steel.

The Guardian

Select a colour that closely matches the floor.

The Guardian

This strategy closely matches Lenovo's long-standing carrier-agnostic viewpoint.

TechCrunch

Results show that the revised method closely matches the test results.

Engineering Structures

Furthermore, Jordan's demand curve over a day closely matches the electricity production of the proposed plant.

Journal of Cleaner Production

In addition, the experimental cycle rank order closely matches with that determined by modeling.

Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Model output without browsing impacts closely matches current riparian forest composition.

Ecological Modelling

The mean displacement step consists of 10.06 μm and closely matches the designed one (10 μm).

Sensors and Actuators A: Physical

The content which most closely matches the subjective classification remains in the resulting corpus.

Speech Communication

We demonstrate that the new analytical model closely matches experimental results.

Journal of Terramechanics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "closely matches", ensure that the comparison is meaningful and that the degree of similarity is significant enough to warrant the description. Avoid using it for trivial similarities.

Common error

Avoid using "closely matches" when the items being compared only share superficial similarities. Instead, use weaker terms like "relates to" or "is associated with" if the match is not substantial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "closely matches" functions as a verb phrase used to describe a relationship between two or more entities. It indicates a high degree of similarity or correspondence. As Ludwig AI explains, it's usable in written English to indicate that two items are very similar, but not quite the same.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

24%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "closely matches" is a versatile phrase used to express a significant degree of similarity between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across varied contexts. As the examples from Ludwig show, it is particularly prevalent in scientific and technical writing, although it also appears in news articles and general reference materials. When using this phrase, ensure that the similarity is substantial and avoid overstating the connection. Consider alternatives like "corresponds closely with" or "is in close agreement with" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is in close agreement with

Highlights the harmony or concurrence between different elements.

corresponds closely with

Emphasizes a direct relationship or connection between two things.

aligns tightly with

Suggests a precise and structured correspondence.

bears a strong resemblance to

Focuses on visual similarity rather than a general match.

resembles significantly

Highlights that two items share very similar features.

is highly congruent with

Implies a complete agreement or alignment.

is nearly equivalent to

Suggests that the two items are functionally the same, even if not perfectly.

mirrors accurately

Indicates a reflection or exact replication.

approximates well

Suggests an estimation that is near to the actual value or outcome.

is virtually identical to

Emphasizes that the items are almost the same.

FAQs

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

You can use "closely matches" to describe a strong similarity between two things, like "The experimental results "closely matches" the predicted outcome".

What are some alternatives to "closely matches"?

Alternatives include "bears a strong resemblance to", "corresponds closely with", or "is in close agreement with" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "closely matches to"?

No, the correct phrasing is "closely matches". The preposition "to" is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect in this context.

What's the difference between "closely matches" and "exactly matches"?

"Closely matches" implies a high degree of similarity but not a perfect match. "Exactly matches", on the other hand, means there is no difference whatsoever. For example, the copy "closely matches" the original, whereas a duplicate "exactly matches" the original.