follow very closely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "follow very closely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone to pay careful attention to details or to adhere strictly to guidelines or instructions. Example: "Please follow very closely the steps outlined in the manual to ensure proper assembly of the product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

So this is something we follow very closely.

The Guardian - Opinion

Names and some details have been changed, yet the written lives of its characters follow very closely their actual biographical contours.

The New Yorker

The techniques they have employed, I was told, follow very closely the techniques studied and perfected by behavioral scientists working in a different capacity for the military since the Cold War.

The New Yorker

"We follow very closely what is going on in the Arab countries, we know the west is trying to get more influence again and was behind some of the trouble," he said.

The New York Times

Andrew S. Dolkart, an associate professor of historic preservation at the Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, says they follow very closely the lines of Pierrefonds, a medieval castle in France rebuilt around 1860 by Eugène Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc.

The New York Times

The measured values follow very closely the relationship 2.3 × 2RT/F in the 25 75°C temperature range.

Electrochimica Acta

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"Anything he does is followed very closely," she said.

The Guardian

The universal dialect in the world of Cosmo is romance followed very closely by overheated pillow talk.

The New York Times

The 28percentt figure was matched by those who said they followed very closely the June 2000 federal court decision ordering the breakup of the Microsoft Corporation.

The New York Times

We followed very closely the initiation process of a Sierra Leonean tribal army, in terms of weapons training, propaganda, and spiritual indoctrination".

The Guardian - Film

From 1755 he followed very closely the development of Moscow State University (now Moscow M.V. Lomonosov State University), for which he had drawn up the plans.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "follow very closely", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being followed. Be specific about the subject, guidelines, or instructions that require close attention.

Common error

Avoid using "follow very closely" in extremely casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "watch carefully" or "pay attention" might be more appropriate in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "follow very closely" functions as a verb phrase that emphasizes the act of paying careful attention or adhering strictly to something. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "follow very closely" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey the importance of careful observation, strict adherence, or meticulous tracking. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and formal writing. While generally neutral to formal in register, its intensity emphasizes precision. When writing, remember to specify what exactly is being followed and avoid overuse in overly casual settings. Consider alternatives like ""pay close attention"" or ""monitor meticulously"" for different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pay close attention

Emphasizes the act of giving careful attention.

keep a close watch

Similar in meaning, but uses more common wording.

observe attentively

Focuses on the act of observing with great attention.

adhere strictly

Focuses on strict compliance with rules or guidelines.

monitor meticulously

Highlights the detailed and careful tracking of something.

watch with vigilance

Emphasizes the watchful aspect and alertness.

stick to rigorously

Highlights the unwavering commitment to a particular method or plan.

note carefully

Emphasizes the act of taking careful notes or observations.

track scrupulously

Indicates careful and thorough tracking.

heed attentively

Focuses on listening and taking note carefully.

FAQs

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

You can use "follow very closely" to describe carefully monitoring something, like, "We must follow the patient's progress very closely". It can also mean strictly adhering to rules, such as "Please follow these instructions very closely".

What are some alternatives to "follow very closely"?

Alternatives include "pay close attention", "monitor meticulously", or "adhere strictly", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "follow closely" and "follow very closely"?

"Follow closely" implies a general attentiveness, while "follow very closely" emphasizes a higher degree of vigilance and precision. The addition of "very" intensifies the level of attention required.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "follow very closely"?

It is best used in contexts where precision and strict adherence are important, such as in medical procedures, scientific experiments, or legal compliance. It is commonly found in Formal & Business, News & Media, and Science.