hew closer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hew closer" is not correct in standard written English.
It seems to be a misinterpretation of the phrase "draw closer" or "come closer." Example: "As the storm approached, we decided to hew closer to the shelter for safety."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Most fast-growing African nations hew closer to Western free-market ideas.

The Economist

Sustained rage tends to turn in on itself, change shape, hew closer to resignation.

The New Yorker

Those who'd rather hew closer to home can watch a twelve-hour real-time special about knitting.

The New Yorker

It has lurched several degrees right of the political center, they say, while Democrats hew closer to the mainstream.

The New York Times - Books

While Willems's other books — the "Pigeon" series in particular — veer toward What Not to Do, the gentler "Knuffle" books hew closer to an idyllic vision of familial relations.

The New York Times - Books

Or will it hew closer to the European social democratic model of free (or near-free) higher education funded from general taxation?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Southbound planes and choppers hug the New Jersey coastline; northbound ones hew close to the West Side of Manhattan.

The New York Times

True, the critics' choices in that era tended to hew close to those of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

The New York Times

The process of remaking the British shows can hew close to the original.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Homes's insights into suburban emptiness often hew close to sarcasm instead, playing things off their opposites.

The New York Times - Books

Wanda is the creation of Wang Jianlin, a rags-to-riches tycoon, whose priorities hew close to those of the Chinese government.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for precision, consider alternatives like "adhere more closely" or "align more closely" which more accurately convey the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "hew closer" when a more precise phrase like "conform more closely" or "align more closely" would better suit the context. Always evaluate if "hew" accurately represents the intended degree and nature of closeness.

Linguistic Context

Hew closer functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the act of aligning or conforming more closely to a particular standard, idea, or model. However, as Ludwig AI notes, its grammatical correctness is questionable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "hew closer" appears with some frequency, particularly in news and media contexts, its grammatical correctness is questionable, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It generally conveys the idea of conforming or aligning more closely to a standard or model. Due to potential ambiguity and the availability of more precise alternatives like "adhere more closely" or "align more closely", it's advisable to use "hew closer" with caution, especially in formal writing. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase a range of contexts where this phrase is used, but considering more grammatically sound options can enhance clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

align more closely

Focuses on agreement or correspondence in opinion or position.

follow more closely

Stresses the act of observing and imitating or obeying.

adhere more closely

Emphasizes strict following of a rule or standard more strongly.

conform more closely

Highlights compliance with norms or expectations.

approximate more closely

Indicates a closer resemblance but not necessarily exact.

stick closer

Suggests a more literal physical closeness or loyalty.

keep closer

Maintains proximity or adherence over time.

gravitate closer

Suggests a natural tendency or attraction leading to closeness.

cleave more closely

Implies a deep and committed adherence, almost inseparable.

move closer

Focuses on physical or metaphorical approach and convergence.

FAQs

What does "hew closer" mean?

While not grammatically standard, "hew closer" generally means to align, conform, or adhere more closely to something, such as a standard, idea, or path. Consider using alternatives like "adhere more closely" or "conform more closely".

Is "hew closer" grammatically correct?

According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "hew closer" is not considered correct in standard written English. It may be better to use phrases like "move closer" or "draw closer".

How can I use "hew closer" in a sentence?

Although "hew closer" is used, it's advisable to opt for grammatically sound alternatives. For example, instead of saying "The design will hew closer to the original blueprint", you can say "The design will "adhere more closely" to the original blueprint".

What's the difference between "hew closer" and "draw closer"?

"Hew closer" suggests conforming or aligning, while "draw closer" indicates a physical or metaphorical movement towards something. If you mean to show conformity, use "conform more closely". If you intend to express approaching something, use "draw closer".