examining closely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "examining closely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of scrutinizing or analyzing something in detail. Example: "The researchers are examining closely the effects of the new drug on patients."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

They were examining closely the various pieces of apparel worn by Gertrude Lawrence during the various acts of the play.

The New Yorker

Even though law enforcement agencies were grounding crop-dusting planes at the time, the auditors said, the Forest Service decided that the risk of its tanker plane being stolen by terrorists or other criminals was not even worth examining closely.

The New York Times

Surrounded by miles of cabling and buzzing with more than 100 crew and journalists under black blankets covering the "coliseum" poles, the set includes a giant "swingometer", which Jeremy Vine was examining closely with technicians.

The Guardian

Currently, I'm pursing the hypothesis that schizophrenia might fundamentally be a disorder of time perception, and one of the things I'm examining closely is the effect of drugs (like haloperidol) on changes/improvements in the time perception of the patients.

The New Yorker

The actual I.R.S. rule is worth examining closely: The promotion of social welfare does not include direct or indirect participation or intervention in political campaigns on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.

The New York Times

Thanks to this book, millions will be examining closely the where of their happiness.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

When examined closely, no life is really one's own.

The New Yorker

You may never have examined closely the pavements of New York.

The New Yorker

After the Iraq debacle, all claims must be examined closely.

The New York Times

Happily, these bronzes are displayed without vitrines, so they can be examined closely from every angle.

The New York Times - Arts

The duration of the next walkout is also being examined closely.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "examining closely" when you want to emphasize the detail and thoroughness of an inspection or analysis. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "examining closely" for everyday observations. Reserve it for situations where a deliberate and careful analysis is truly taking place. For example, instead of saying "I'm examining closely the weather", use a simpler phrase like "I'm checking the weather."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "examining closely" functions as a verb phrase with an adverb, modifying the verb to emphasize the thoroughness and detail of the examination. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates a careful and attentive inspection.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

32%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "examining closely" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression indicating a thorough and detailed inspection or analysis. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where a deliberate and careful analysis is genuinely occurring, avoiding overuse in simple, everyday observations. Alternatives like "scrutinizing carefully" or "analyzing thoroughly" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Its frequent appearance in news, science, and business contexts suggests a neutral to professional register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scrutinizing carefully

This alternative suggests a more critical and potentially skeptical inspection.

analyzing thoroughly

This focuses on a detailed and comprehensive analysis, often in an academic or scientific context.

inspecting meticulously

This implies a high level of detail and precision in the inspection.

investigating in detail

This suggests a more formal and structured inquiry.

reviewing comprehensively

This implies a broad and complete overview, rather than a focus on minute details.

assessing attentively

This highlights the careful and focused nature of the assessment.

studying intensely

This focuses on a dedicated and concentrated effort to understand something.

checking rigorously

This emphasizes the strict and thorough nature of the checking process.

exploring deeply

This conveys a sense of delving into something with the aim of uncovering hidden aspects.

probing inquisitively

This suggests a curious and questioning approach to the examination.

FAQs

What does "examining closely" mean?

The phrase "examining closely" means to look at something very carefully and in detail, often to discover something or understand it better. It implies a thorough and attentive inspection.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "examining closely"?

Use "examining closely" when you want to emphasize the detailed and careful nature of an inspection or analysis. It's suitable for scenarios where scrutiny and thoroughness are key, like in scientific research or legal investigations.

What are some alternatives to "examining closely"?

You can use alternatives like "scrutinizing carefully", "analyzing thoroughly", or "inspecting meticulously" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "examining closely" and "investigating closely"?

While both phrases imply careful scrutiny, "examining closely" often refers to a more general and observational inspection, whereas "investigating closely" suggests a more formal and structured inquiry, often with the goal of uncovering facts or evidence.