look closely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "look closely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that someone needs to pay careful attention to something. For example, "Look closely at the instructions before you attempt the task."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Look closely, though.

The New York Times - Arts

But look closely.

The New Yorker

Astronomy If You Look Closely.

The New York Times - Science

Look closely, Morandi instructs us.

The New York Times - Arts

Look closely at the invitation.

The New York Times - Tech

Look closely at this clue.

The New York Times

Second, look closely at his putting.

The New Yorker

But look closely, and they slide around.

The Economist

Look closely: it is all there.

The New York Times - Arts

Look closely, and you can see it.

The New Yorker

If you look closely enough, some emerge.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions or directions, use "look closely" to prompt the reader to pay attention to specific details that might be easily missed.

Common error

While "look closely" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in very informal settings. In casual conversations, consider using simpler alternatives like "check this out" or "take a look" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look closely" functions as an imperative, urging the reader or listener to pay careful attention to something. Ludwig AI confirms its general correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

57%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "look closely" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to direct attention to detail. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. Predominantly found in news, media, and Wiki sources, this phrase is appropriate for both informal and neutral registers. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "examine carefully" or "scrutinize thoroughly". When using "look closely", aim to provide useful advice that encourages writers to avoid overuse and provide clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pay close attention

A more general phrase that highlights the importance of focusing one's attention on something.

examine carefully

Focuses on a methodical and thorough investigation, implying a more analytical approach.

observe attentively

Highlights the act of paying close attention through observation, suggesting a focus on visual details.

scrutinize thoroughly

Implies a critical and detailed examination, often looking for flaws or errors.

study in detail

Emphasizes a deeper level of analysis and understanding, suggesting a more academic or investigative approach.

investigate meticulously

Implies a careful and precise investigation, highlighting the thoroughness of the examination.

check precisely

Focuses on verifying something with accuracy and exactness, emphasizing the correctness of the information.

analyze minutely

Suggests a very detailed and thorough analysis, focusing on even the smallest aspects.

consider deeply

Highlights the act of thinking carefully and thoroughly about something, emphasizing reflection.

peruse intently

Implies reading or examining something with great focus and purpose.

FAQs

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

"Look closely" is used to direct someone's attention to observe details. For instance, "Look closely at the image to find the hidden object."

What are some alternatives to "look closely"?

Alternatives include "examine carefully", "observe attentively", or "pay close attention", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "look closely" or "look carefully"?

Both "look closely" and "look carefully" are correct and often interchangeable. "Look closely" emphasizes detail, while "look carefully" emphasizes caution.

Can "look closely" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "look closely" is suitable for formal writing, especially when providing instructions or analyzing data. However, in some cases, more formal alternatives like "scrutinize thoroughly" might be preferred.