ever so closely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ever so closely" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize the degree to which something is done or felt, similar to saying "extremely closely." It can also be used to show intensity or strength of feeling. Example: She watched the movie ever so closely, trying to catch every subtle detail and nuance.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But they should remember one thing: new students, about to rack up almost £30k in debt, are going to be looking ever so closely at the employability league tables.

The Guardian

But isn't that precisely why I need to lean in and listen ever so closely?

Huffington Post

No matter what, I hate losing," he said after the Lakers were swept by the Knicks in the season series, continuing to circle the drain ever so closely to the worst team in franchise history.

Los Angeles Times

Both the bivalent (Cervarix™) and quadrivalent (Gardasil™) HPV vaccines available in the U.S. have been scrutinized ever so closely by the scientific community since their public debut in 2009 and 2006, respectively.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Man is ever so close to success.

The Economist

I went back to our conversation of a few days ago and listened to it again ever-so-closely because of our conversation, and once again, I heard it and I said, "Yeah!" She was, without question, one of our greatest singers.

Huffington Post

Finally, because of the rules aimed at equalizing chassis, engines and other technologies within the cars, rarely have the cars ever been so closely matched.

The New York Times - Sports

To thunderous applause, Mr Cook showed off two new iPhones, a clever payments system and a wearable device, which it calls the Apple Watch.No technology launch has ever been so closely watched by the general public, says Avi Greengart of Current Analysis, a research firm.

The Economist

I don't think I've ever examined anything so closely.

Independent

"He's arguably the best Premier League player there has ever been and working so closely with him makes you realise even more what a top footballer he is".

Independent

Elaine Rubin, chairwoman of Shop.org, an online retail trade group, said e-tailers were managing their inventories more closely than ever, "so it's all about not getting up against the mid-December deadlines, where they have to start charging a premium for overnight shipping, or missing sales because it's just too late for people to order".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ever so closely" to add emphasis when describing actions that require careful attention or a high degree of precision. It provides a more nuanced and emphatic tone than simply saying "closely".

Common error

Avoid using "ever so closely" excessively, as it can make your writing sound overly formal or affected. Use it sparingly to maintain its impact and avoid distracting the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ever so closely" functions as an adverbial modifier, intensifying the degree to which an action is performed or a state exists. It's used to emphasize the thoroughness or intensity of the action. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ever so closely" is a grammatically correct and emphatic adverbial modifier that is typically used to add emphasis to an action. Ludwig AI confirms its valid usage in written English. While relatively rare, it effectively conveys a high degree of scrutiny or intimacy. Primarily found in news and media contexts, this phrase adds a subtle nuance, signifying meticulous attention. It can be replaced by alternatives such as "extremely attentively" or "with great scrutiny" to vary your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely attentively

Focuses on the attentiveness aspect, emphasizing the thoroughness of attention.

very meticulously

Emphasizes precision and thoroughness in examination or execution.

with great scrutiny

Highlights the critical and detailed examination aspect.

in intimate proximity

Focuses on the physical closeness and nearness.

in tight conjunction

Emphasizes a close association or union of things.

remarkably near

Highlights the surprising aspect of the closeness.

in considerable detail

Focuses on thoroughness of analysis and depth of information.

exceedingly carefully

Focuses on the level of care and caution involved.

quite intimately

Suggests a personal or deeply connected relationship.

under a microscope

Idiomatic expression implying intense and detailed examination.

FAQs

What does "ever so closely" mean?

The phrase "ever so closely" means extremely or very closely. It's used to emphasize the degree of closeness, scrutiny, or attention being given to something.

How can I use "ever so closely" in a sentence?

You can use "ever so closely" to describe actions or observations. For instance, "She examined the evidence "ever so closely" to find a clue."

Are there alternatives to "ever so closely"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "extremely attentively", "very meticulously", or "with great scrutiny" as alternatives to "ever so closely", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "ever so closely" formal or informal?

The phrase "ever so closely" leans towards the formal side, adding emphasis and a slightly refined tone to your writing. It's suitable for professional or academic contexts where a more nuanced expression is desired.