follow too closely

USAGE SUMMARY

'follow too closely' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to denote when someone is following you too closely, either physically or metaphorically. For example: "I was so frustrated that my competitor was following me too closely; it felt like he was copying my every move."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"Do not let them (the South Viets) follow too closely.

The Washington Post

"To be honest, I didn't follow too closely after the whole thing died down," Spartz said.

The New Yorker

Imagining that he would eventually hand it to me I did not attempt to follow too closely the sixteen or more articles which it contained.

Yale University

But he said he had tried not to follow too closely the high-strung web of politics that led to the invitation.

The New York Times

I really don't follow too closely what they're trying to do other than keeping players out when they are diagnosed with a concussion.

The New York Times

He tried to convince her that he'd been a terrible mentor and pleaded with her not to follow too closely in his footsteps, though he knew she'd be every bit as ruthless as he'd ever been.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

He became edgy if he had to follow behind a car — or if one came too close alongside him at an intersection, or followed too closely behind.

The New York Times - Magazine

Judi Dench has a big American following, but her impersonation of Iris Murdoch may have followed too closely on her 1998 supporting-actress Oscar as Elizabeth I in "Shakespeare in Love".

The Economist

But the choreography follows too closely the music's emotional crescendos, gloriously rendered by Jessica Jones, a member of the Houston Grand Opera Studio.

The New York Times - Arts

But the choice to dedicate so many resources to them may have followed too closely from Mayer's 2012 analysis of how people were using their phones, when what was needed was a far-sighted assessment of how smartphone habits were changing.

The New Yorker

"If another aircraft intercepts that trailing vortex, someone can be killed, because it's a swirling flow". For example, if one plane lands and a second follows too closely on its heels, it might hit the wake, tip over, and crash.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing influence or mentorship, use "follow too closely" to advise against blindly imitating someone's path without critical thinking.

Common error

Be mindful of context. Avoid using "follow too closely" in formal academic papers unless discussing physical proximity or direct replication of methodologies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "follow too closely" primarily functions as a verb phrase that modifies an action, often related to physical proximity or metaphorical imitation. Ludwig examples confirm its use in describing both literal and figurative scenarios.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Wiki

29%

Science

23%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "follow too closely" is a versatile expression used to describe both physical proximity and metaphorical imitation. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, including news, general advice, and scientific discussions. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, its purpose is often cautionary, warning against being excessively imitative or dangerously near. When using "follow too closely", consider the specific context and potential implications of being overly imitative or physically close. Be mindful that, depending on the specific context, it can also be used phrases like "lack critical distance" or "overly emulate".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tailgate aggressively

Specifically refers to the dangerous driving practice of following another vehicle too closely.

breathe down someone's neck

Suggests intrusive and overbearing supervision.

shadow too intensely

Emphasizes the act of closely monitoring someone, often with negative connotations.

dog someone's heels

Implies persistently and relentlessly pursuing or monitoring someone.

mimic too precisely

Highlights the act of imitating someone's actions or style to an excessive degree.

stick like glue

Describes an insistent and often unwelcome closeness.

imitate excessively

Focuses on the overdone aspect of copying someone's behavior.

duplicate meticulously

Stresses the exactness and thoroughness of replication, potentially to an undesirable extent.

copy slavishly

Indicates a lack of originality in copying someone's work or style.

emulate unthinkingly

Suggests imitation without critical thought or adaptation.

FAQs

What does it mean to "follow too closely"?

To "follow too closely" can mean to physically tailgate another vehicle, or metaphorically, to imitate someone or something without enough critical distance or originality. For example, a student might "follow a professor's research too closely", failing to develop their own unique perspective.

How can I avoid following someone's footsteps "too closely"?

To avoid "following too closely", actively seek diverse influences, experiment with your own ideas, and be prepared to deviate from established paths. Remember, innovation often comes from questioning the status quo.

When is it acceptable to emulate someone without following them "too closely"?

It's acceptable to emulate someone when you're using their example as inspiration and a starting point, but not as a rigid template. Adapt their strategies to your own context and goals, and always strive to add your own unique contribution.

What's a more formal way to say "follow too closely" in an academic paper?

In a formal academic paper, instead of "follow too closely", you might use phrases like "lack critical distance", "insufficiently differentiate", or "overly emulate" depending on the specific context.