examine closely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "examine closely" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to emphasize a point, add emphasis to an idea, or to direct a reader's attention to an important part of a sentence. For example, "It is important to examine closely the implications that this new policy will have on our organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is a subject which we are going to examine closely in the book.

The Guardian

It would do well to examine closely any allegations of gaming ratings agency models.

The New York Times

The Conservatives said they would "examine closely" the flexible working proposal, including a right to granny leave.

The Guardian

But I still hear the useful phrasal verb to snake-check, which many veterans know means "to examine closely".

The New York Times - Magazine

That is something for our politicians to examine closely and put right.

Independent

"Personal issues were weighing on me that I needed to examine closely," she said.

The New York Times

"Common thread is the word 'progressive,'" according to a lookout list that showed employees which applications to examine closely.

The New York Times

There were also widespread calls for the United States to examine closely what inspires fringe elements to undertake such diabolical acts against American targets.

The New York Times

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

When he died, his Westbeth apartment was littered with negatives and work prints, as well as piles of film cans that Mark couldn't bear to examine closely.

The New York Times - Arts

Most of the collection is accessible, so even objects that are not on display can be readily brought to seminar rooms for students to examine closely.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "examine closely" when you want to emphasize the need for a thorough and detailed investigation or analysis. This phrase adds weight to the importance of careful scrutiny.

Common error

Avoid using "examine closely" in contexts where a simple 'look' or 'check' would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or verbose. Opt for simpler alternatives when the situation doesn't warrant intense scrutiny.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "examine closely" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of carefully and thoroughly inspecting or analyzing something. Ludwig examples showcase its application in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "examine closely" is a frequently used verb phrase that signifies a thorough and careful investigation. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and appears across various authoritative sources, including news, science, and business contexts. While versatile, it's best used when emphasizing the need for detailed scrutiny, and overuse in simple scenarios should be avoided. Alternatives like "scrutinize carefully" or "investigate thoroughly" can offer nuanced shades of meaning, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scrutinize carefully

This alternative emphasizes a more critical and detailed level of inspection.

investigate thoroughly

This phrase suggests a systematic and comprehensive inquiry.

analyze in detail

This option highlights the analytical aspect of the examination, focusing on breaking down the subject into smaller parts.

look into deeply

This phrase has a slightly more informal tone, suggesting a profound and thorough exploration.

inspect meticulously

This choice emphasizes the precision and attention to detail in the examination.

study intently

This alternative focuses on the effort and focus dedicated to understanding the subject.

assess rigorously

This phrase implies a strict and methodical evaluation.

probe intensively

This option suggests a deep and thorough investigation, often looking for hidden or obscured information.

review carefully

This phrase is slightly more general, indicating a considered and thoughtful re-examination.

delve into thoroughly

This alternative suggests a deep and comprehensive exploration of a subject.

FAQs

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

You can use "examine closely" to emphasize the need for a thorough investigation. For example, "The committee will "examine closely" all proposals before making a decision."

What are some alternatives to "examine closely"?

Alternatives include "scrutinize carefully", "investigate thoroughly", or "analyze in detail". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "examine closely" or "look into"?

"Examine closely" is generally more formal than "look into". Use "examine closely" in professional or academic settings where a detailed analysis is required. "Look into deeply" can be used in less formal situations.

When should I use "examine closely" instead of just "examine"?

Use "examine closely" when you want to emphasize the depth and thoroughness of the examination. It suggests a more careful and detailed investigation than simply "examine".