follow more closely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "follow more closely" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where you want to instruct someone to pay closer attention or to adhere more closely to a guideline or example. For example: "In order to improve your skills, you should follow more closely the techniques demonstrated in the video." Alternative expressions include "pay closer attention" and "adhere more closely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"I need to follow more closely, but my understanding is it's a deep well.

The Guardian - Business

But he wanted to follow more closely in his father's footsteps, Firefighter Thompson said, and in 1993 he switched uniforms.

The New York Times

"This also can help detect subtle declines that a doctor might want to follow more closely," says Dr. Gale.

Harvard University

That's a bad sign for opposing defenses, but for an early indicator of what they're in for, perhaps opponents should follow more closely Manning's demeanor during the summer.

The New York Times - Sports

By James Thurber The New Yorker, December 21 , 1935P. 19 I follow more closely than most people, the pronouncements on life, death, and the future of the movies as given out from time to time by Miss Mary Pickford.

The New Yorker

I follow more closely than most people, the pronouncements on life, death, and the future of the movies as given out from time to time by Miss Mary Pickford.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

For example, patients identified as being at higher risk of readmission could be followed more closely following discharge, for example through daily check-ins by a care manager.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Niemann's initial version (below) followed more closely the model of Japanese brush painting.

The New Yorker

PAC followed more closely the site with largest HFO (45%) than beta power (27%).

Harvard University

FEW statistics are followed more closely in George Bush's White House than the monthly jobs figures.

The Economist

(In this, she followed more closely the model set by her predecessor Laura Bush, who campaigned for literacy and rarely expressed an opinion).

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "follow more closely", be specific about what aspects require increased attention. Instead of saying "Follow the instructions more closely", specify "Follow the dosage instructions more closely to avoid side effects".

Common error

Avoid using "follow more closely" as a vague directive. Instead, clearly define the subject that requires closer attention. For example, instead of saying "You need to follow more closely", specify "You need to follow the project timeline more closely to meet deadlines".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "follow more closely" functions as a directive or recommendation, advising someone to pay increased attention or adhere more strictly to specific instructions, guidelines, or examples. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

44%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "follow more closely" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that advises increased attention or adherence. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts and is suitable for various registers. Ludwig AI confirms its usage, highlighting its function as a directive for improved vigilance and performance. When using the phrase, be sure to specify what subject requires closer attention to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

observe more attentively

Emphasizes careful observation with greater attention to detail.

monitor more diligently

Highlights the need for consistent and careful tracking.

adhere to more strictly

Focuses on stricter compliance with rules or guidelines.

scrutinize more thoroughly

Suggests a deeper and more comprehensive examination.

track with greater precision

Emphasizes accurate and detailed tracking of something.

keep a closer watch

Implies vigilance and careful observation over time.

pay closer heed

Highlights giving more careful attention and consideration.

mind more carefully

Suggests being more careful and attentive in one's actions or behavior.

heed more precisely

Focuses on giving accurate attention to instructions or warnings.

study with greater care

Emphasizes a more careful and thorough approach to studying or analyzing something.

FAQs

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

You can use "follow more closely" to advise someone to pay more attention to something. For example, "You should "follow more closely" the instructions to avoid errors."

What does it mean to "follow more closely"?

To "follow more closely" means to pay more attention, monitor with greater diligence, or adhere more strictly to something.

Which is correct: "follow more closely" or "follow closer"?

"Follow more closely" is the correct and idiomatic way to express the need for increased attention. "Follow closer" is grammatically incorrect.

What are some alternatives to "follow more closely"?

You can use alternatives like "observe more attentively", "monitor more diligently", or "adhere to more strictly" depending on the specific context.