follow closely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "follow closely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize someone's need to pay close attention to something. For example, "Follow closely as I explain the procedure step by step."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Luxury advertisers then follow closely behind.

The New York Times

This could get confusing, so follow closely.

The New York Times

This looks like an idea to follow closely, then.

The Guardian

(Follow closely now; this is about the science of English).

The New York Times - Books

Moreover, the tested nominal strengths follow closely the "size effect law (SEL)" proposed by Bažant.

Engineering Structures

Consequently, the mechanical properties of the composite fiber follow closely with the rule of mixtures.

Polymer

Garth Fagan and Doug Varone continue to be choreographers to follow closely.

The New York Times - Arts

I would have to follow closely, note down everything that was said, not waste a moment.

The New Yorker

The capacity variables are seen to follow closely trends in cost.

Chemical Engineering Science

Making sense of the matter requires a scorecard, so follow closely.

The New York Times

"We always follow closely what is happening in the U.S.," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "follow closely" to emphasize the importance of careful observation or adherence to instructions. For instance, "To ensure the best results, follow closely the steps outlined in the manual."

Common error

Avoid using "follow closely" when you mean simply to 'follow' in a sequence or order. "Follow closely" implies a need for particular attention or precision, not just a sequential action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "follow closely" functions primarily as a directive, urging the audience to pay careful attention to instructions, developments, or trends. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "follow closely" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that encourages careful observation or adherence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is prevalent across diverse fields like news, science, and academia. To enhance your writing, remember to use "follow closely" when emphasizing attentiveness, and avoid using it when simply describing sequential order. Alternatives such as "pay close attention", "observe carefully", and "monitor closely" can provide nuanced variations in meaning, but the core message remains consistent: pay heed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pay close attention

Emphasizes the act of focusing one's attention carefully.

observe carefully

Focuses on the act of watching and noticing details.

monitor closely

Implies a continuous and careful tracking of something.

watch attentively

Highlights the level of engagement and focus in watching.

keep a close watch

Suggests maintaining vigilance and careful observation.

heed carefully

Emphasizes paying attention to advice or warnings.

track meticulously

Highlights the detailed and precise nature of tracking.

scrutinize closely

Implies a thorough and critical examination.

adhere strictly

Focuses on closely following rules or guidelines.

mind carefully

Suggests being careful and attentive to something.

FAQs

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

Use "follow closely" when you want to emphasize the need for careful attention or adherence. For example, "Investors should follow closely market trends to make informed decisions."

What does "follow closely" mean?

"Follow closely" means to pay careful attention or to adhere strictly to something, like instructions or guidelines.

Which is correct, "follow closely" or "follow close"?

"Follow closely" is the correct phrase. "Closely" is an adverb that modifies the verb "follow", indicating the manner in which something should be followed. "Follow close" is grammatically incorrect in this context.

What can I say instead of "follow closely"?

You can use alternatives like "pay close attention", "observe carefully", or "monitor closely" depending on the context.