closely written

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "closely written" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe text that is written with little space between lines or words, or to indicate that something is written in a detailed and precise manner. Example: "The report was closely written, making it difficult to find specific information without careful reading."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

One is a closely written narrative of the Obama campaign.

The New York Times - Books

The first act seems so closely written to who I am that people accept me in the role.

The New York Times

I still have the diligent notes I made on that first reading - they run to three and a half closely written pages.

The Guardian - Books

It covered two closely written sides of lined foolscap, and began with detailed instructions on how to turn on and light a gas burner.

The New Yorker

Leonardo's notebooks add up to thousands of closely written pages abundantly illustrated with sketches the most voluminous literary legacy any painter has ever left behind.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The two well-preserved leaves of parchment, closely written in an elegant script, have been radiocarbon-dated to between AD568 and AD645, a result regarded by the scientists who tested it at Oxford as near certain – 95.4% accurate.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

If the vehicle is too dirty to examine closely, write this on the form and again get it signed by the staff.

The Guardian - Money

The nomination procedure reflects how closely writing is bound up with reading, and the pleasure we all take in discovering and sharing books".

The Guardian

The Huffington Post's Jonathan Cohn, who followed the A.C.A. legislation closely, wrote this week that, given the power that these groups wield in Washington, "enacting something as sweeping as the Sanders plan would be basically impossible, at least for the time being".

The New Yorker

"The E.C.B. is flexing its muscles, letting everyone know that [it is] very close to pulling liquidity from Greece," Karl Whelan, an economist at University College, Dublin, who follows this stuff closely, wrote.

The New Yorker

Ian Scoones, a development expert at the University of Sussex who has studied land reform in Zimbabwe closely, wrote that in the late 1990s in Masvingo Province, where he did much of his research, an unskilled farmworker made about $10 a month, while a driver or skilled worker earned about $25 per month.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "closely written" when you want to emphasize the density and detail of a text. Ensure that the context clarifies whether you are referring to physical closeness of writing or the depth of content.

Common error

Avoid using "closely written" when the intention is to convey illegibility or poor handwriting. Instead, reserve the phrase to describe text that is dense and detailed, not necessarily difficult to read.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "closely written" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It typically describes the physical appearance of text or the level of detail within the writing. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing narratives, notes, and pages.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "closely written" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe text that is dense with detail or physically compact. Ludwig provides examples from diverse contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and academia. The phrase's frequency is classified as uncommon, with primary usage in news and media sources. While "closely written" is generally acceptable, it's important to consider context and choose more precise alternatives if needed. Based on the Ludwig AI analysis, this phrase is considered correct and useful in written English, emphasizing its versatility in describing both physical and content-related aspects of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

densely written

Focuses on the high concentration of information within the writing.

tightly written

Emphasizes the economy and precision of the writing style.

compactly written

Highlights the efficient use of space and words in the text.

concisely written

Stresses the brevity and directness of the writing.

detailed writing

Highlights the presence of extensive information and specifics.

meticulously written

Emphasizes the careful attention to detail and accuracy in the writing.

elaborately written

Suggests a high level of development and complexity in the writing.

intricately written

Indicates a complex and interwoven structure in the writing.

carefully crafted writing

Highlights the precision and intentionality in the writing process.

succinctly written

Emphasizes the brevity and clearness of the writing.

FAQs

What does "closely written" mean?

The phrase "closely written" typically describes a text that is dense with information or meticulously detailed, or text physically written with very little spacing.

What are some alternatives to "closely written"?

Consider alternatives like "densely written", "tightly written", or "compactly written" to emphasize different aspects of the writing style.

Is "closely written" grammatically correct?

Yes, "closely written" is grammatically correct and can be used to describe text that is either physically compact or highly detailed.

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

You might say, "The historian examined the "closely written" manuscript for clues about the past" or "The recipe was "closely written", leaving no room for improvisation".