closely used

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "closely used" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to convey that something is frequently or commonly used, but the phrasing is awkward and unclear. Example: "The term is closely used in academic circles, but it may not be familiar to the general public."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The work that resembles ours most closely used intact islets and two-photon microscopy, but only took images in one plane [ 6].

Diabetologia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

He believed that we can develop our ability to see, and that if we looked more closely, using drawing to help us, we would feel more closely about nature, the Earth and creation.

The Guardian

This prompted us to examine them more closely using mGFP5, which brightly illuminates these structures [ 37, 35].

BMC Plant Biology

Further, the studies had to have followed patients closely, using strict definitions of improvement.

The New York Times

The next step will be to study the samples more closely using powerful microscopes.

The Guardian

They analyzed the documents closely using the appropriate document analysis sheet.

The New York Times

It has been shown that the efficiency of such fins can also be predicted very closely using the sector method.

International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer

Today we will examine such an ensemble-to-single unit control process more closely, using the simple puzzle toy pictured above, which has a bunch of tokens numbered 1-20, that you can slide in either direction.

The New York Times

But to find them, you'll have to look very closely, using ESP, perhaps, to peer into the mind of Bjorn Rune Borg, the most doom-laden product of Sweden since Ingmar Bergman.

The New York Times - Magazine

The Massachusetts environmental industry, which ranks seventh in sales and eighth in employment nationally (and second in sales in the consulting and engineering sector) is examined more closely using industry focus groups.

Corporate Environmental Strategy

Compared with the omasal fluid flow measurement (16.4 h), protozoal generation time was approximated much more closely using the particulate than the fluid passage rate from the rumen (generation times of 15.7 and 7.5 h, respectively).

Journal of Dairy Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of "closely used", consider using phrases like "commonly used", "frequently employed", or specifying the manner of use (e.g., "carefully applied", "rigorously implemented") to provide greater clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid using "closely used" directly; it often sounds unnatural. Rephrase to emphasize either the frequency of use or the manner in which something is used to improve readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "closely used" attempts to function as an adjectival modifier, describing how something is utilized. However, Ludwig AI indicates this phrasing is not standard English. Examples suggest intended meanings related to frequency or manner of use.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

31%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "closely used" might appear understandable, it's not considered standard or grammatically correct English. Ludwig AI analysis suggests that it is best to avoid it. You can replace it with alternatives like "commonly used", "frequently employed", or by specifying the manner of use (e.g., "carefully applied", "rigorously implemented") for increased clarity. Analysis of source material reveals its presence in science, news, and academic contexts, though clearer alternatives are favored in authoritative sources. Therefore, prioritize more precise and grammatically sound phrasing in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

closely followed

Implies the act of closely tracking or monitoring something, maintaining proximity.

frequently employed

Replaces "closely" with "frequently" to emphasize the high number of instances something is utilized.

commonly utilized

Changes "used" to "utilized" and "closely" to "commonly" for a more standard phrasing.

regularly practiced

Emphasizes the consistent and habitual use of something.

carefully applied

Focuses on the precision and attention given to the application of something.

meticulously observed

Focuses on the act of watching something closely and with great attention to detail.

intensely scrutinized

Shifts the focus to the act of examining something in detail rather than its general use.

diligently exercised

Highlights the consistency and persistence in using or applying something.

rigorously implemented

Emphasizes the strict and methodical application of a process or system.

strictly adhered to

Highlights the act of following guidelines or rules without deviation.

FAQs

What is a more appropriate way to say "closely used"?

Better alternatives include "commonly used", "frequently employed", or describing the specific way something is utilized (e.g., meticulously examined).

Is "closely used" grammatically correct?

Standard English does not typically combine "closely" with "used" in this way. Although understandable, it's considered grammatically awkward. Ludwig AI recommends other alternatives.

In what contexts might I encounter "closely used", and are there better options?

You might see it in technical writing, but substituting with clearer phrases like "carefully applied" or "rigorously implemented" is advisable for precision and clarity.

How can I rephrase a sentence that contains "closely used" to improve its clarity?

Instead of "The method is closely used", try "The method is "widely applied"" or "The method is "carefully applied"", depending on the intended meaning.