closely observing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "closely observing" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you might say "The scientist was closely observing the plants in the garden."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Care professionals can make a valuable contribution by closely observing the person they care for and by communicating their observations to the physician.

BMC Gastroenterology

Field workers are closely observing another 235 families.

The New York Times

Closely observing how work is done in your business can yield many opportunities for improvements.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Closely observing how work really gets done in your organization can yield numerous opportunities for improvements.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Six plainclothes policemen stood outside his Havana home today closely observing his movements.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Closely observing its phenomena and moods, he conveyed them in Abstract Expressionist-derived paintings of subtle color and intense rhythms.

The New York Times

As she thought this, she saw that Robert was watching her closely, observing the impression the room had made.

The New Yorker

While dogs have been bearing witness to our behaviour for 30,000 years, we have also been closely observing them.

The Guardian - Books

In practical terms, that means closely observing our conduct and gauging our effect on others, rather than dissecting our own thoughts ad infinitum.

The New York Times - Magazine

Next to her was a woman whose little brown dog was closely observing her -- and the pretzel -- ears and nose quivering in hopeful anticipation.

The New York Times

Put these on your improvised chapa and watch closely, observing their progress from raw to cooked, seeing what he means by the uncertain edge and learning your craft.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "closely observing", consider the context. It implies more than just seeing; it suggests careful attention and potential analysis. Make sure your sentence reflects this heightened level of awareness.

Common error

Avoid using "closely observing" when a simpler term like 'watching' or 'seeing' suffices. The phrase is most effective when emphasizing careful attention and scrutiny.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "closely observing" functions as a present participle phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes an action being performed with careful attention, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

27%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "closely observing" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that emphasizes attentiveness and meticulousness. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's prevalent in News & Media, Academia, and Science, indicating its versatility across various registers. To enhance your writing, remember that while it suggests a careful, detailed examination, simpler terms may suffice in less critical contexts. By avoiding overuse and focusing on situations where attention to detail is crucial, you can wield this phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

closely monitoring

Focuses on tracking something methodically.

carefully watching

Emphasizes caution and attention to detail in the act of observing.

attentively monitoring

Highlights the act of keeping track of something with focused attention.

keenly observing

Stresses the enthusiasm and eagerness in the observation.

vigilantly watching

Implies a sense of alertness and readiness to respond to any changes.

paying close attention

General way to describe the act of carefully observing.

carefully scrutinizing

Suggests a detailed and critical examination.

observing with care

Emphasizes the thoroughness of the observation.

minutely observing

Highlights the detailed nature of the observation, focusing on small aspects.

studiously observing

Focuses on the act of observing like a scholar.

FAQs

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

You can use "closely observing" to describe someone paying careful attention to something, like, "The scientist was "closely observing" the reaction in the petri dish."

What's a good alternative to "closely observing"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "carefully watching", "attentively monitoring", or "paying close attention".

Is it redundant to say "closely observing closely"?

Yes, saying "closely observing closely" is redundant. The phrase "closely observing" already implies a high degree of attention, so repeating "closely" is unnecessary.

What is the difference between "closely observing" and "casually observing"?

"Closely observing" implies a deliberate and attentive focus, while "casually observing" suggests a more relaxed and less focused form of observation. If you are "casually observing", you might not notice the details that someone "closely observing" would.