closely packed

USAGE SUMMARY

"closely packed" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a situation where many things are tightly together. For example: "The streets of Tokyo were closely packed with people during the festival."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Up until China the races were very close, with the field closely packed together.

BBC

At the closely packed tables, conversations buzz.

The Guardian - Books

Closely packed lines of fish dry outside the windows.

The Guardian

The molecules in such liquids are closely packed, but loosely arranged.

The Economist

Each day a vast quantity of beer is sold from this closely packed warren of stores.

The Economist

The Golgi apparatus is a complex of flattened cisternae arranged in closely packed rows.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Vibe Festive: closely packed tables and a patio overlooking Yountville's main drag.

The New York Times

Outside the walls of the villa, closely packed modern tower blocks rose all around.

The New Yorker

"Small cages, closely packed, no attempt to give the animals any sense of natural setting".

The New Yorker

In the duodenum the villi are closely packed, large, and frequently leaflike in shape.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So many thousands of pieces so closely packed with a finish smooth as a varnished oil.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical arrangements, use "closely packed" to emphasize the proximity and density of the items. For example, describe cells in a tissue as "closely packed" to highlight their arrangement.

Common error

Avoid using "closely packed" to describe abstract concepts like ideas or emotions. This phrase is best suited for physical arrangements and can sound awkward if applied metaphorically.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "closely packed" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies nouns by indicating that the elements or components are situated very near one another, emphasizing their proximity. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "closely packed" is a versatile descriptive adjective phrase widely used to indicate minimal spacing between elements. As Ludwig AI points out, its grammatical status is correct, and it enjoys frequent use across various domains. While it commonly appears in scientific and news contexts, it is crucial to avoid using it for abstract concepts. Related phrases like "densely arranged" or "tightly grouped" offer similar meanings, allowing for nuanced expression. When using "closely packed", ensure it aligns with the physical description of elements to maintain clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

densely arranged

Focuses on the high density of the arrangement.

tightly grouped

Emphasizes the lack of space within the group.

compactly arranged

Highlights the efficient use of space in the arrangement.

jam-packed

Suggests a very full and crowded arrangement.

congested

Implies an excessive amount of items packed together, often causing obstruction.

massed together

Describes a large quantity of items grouped in one place.

compressed

Focuses on the pressure or force used to pack items tightly.

concentrated

Indicates a high proportion of something in a specific area.

squeezed together

Emphasizes the effort required to fit items into a confined space.

herringbone pattern

Describes the specific arrangement and orientation of objects.

FAQs

How is "closely packed" used in a sentence?

You can use "closely packed" to describe items that are positioned very near one another. For example: "The shelves were filled with "closely packed books"." or "The audience sat in "closely packed rows"."

What words have similar meaning to "closely packed"?

Synonyms for "closely packed" include "densely arranged", "tightly grouped", and "compactly arranged", all conveying the idea of items being very near one another.

When is it appropriate to use the term "closely packed"?

"Closely packed" is appropriate when you want to emphasize the minimal space between multiple items, especially when spatial arrangement or density is relevant. For example, describing "closely packed molecules" in science or "closely packed tables" in a restaurant.

Is there a difference between "closely packed" and "densely packed"?

While similar, "closely packed" emphasizes the proximity of individual items, whereas "densely packed" focuses on the overall density or concentration within a given space. Therefore, use "densely packed" when you want to highlight high concentration or mass, rather than the nearness of individual components.