look closely at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "look closely at" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the need for careful observation or examination of something. Example: "To understand the details of the painting, you must look closely at the brush strokes and color choices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Second, look closely at his putting.

The New Yorker

Look closely at that famous Tigers logo.

The New York Times

Look closely at the invitation.

The New York Times - Tech

Look closely at this clue.

The New York Times

Now look closely at the skull.

University of California, Berkeley

But look closely at the pediment.

Yale University

Look closely at the sled, he advised.

The New York Times

But look closely at the Raiders.

The New York Times - Sports

Does Guardiola look closely at other sports?

The Guardian - Sport

You look closely at the writing.

The Guardian - Books

Look closely at what she does.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to check for potential errors or inconsistencies, use "look closely at" to prompt careful scrutiny, ensuring attention to detail.

Common error

Don't just glance; use "look closely at" to encourage a detailed examination, not a cursory overview. Superficial observation may lead to missed details and incorrect conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look closely at" functions primarily as an imperative, used to direct someone's attention to examine something with care and attention to detail. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

31%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "look closely at" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that serves as an imperative, instructing careful observation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse contexts, from news articles and academic papers to everyday conversations. Remember to use it to encourage thorough examination and avoid superficial assessments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pay close attention to

Highlights the importance of focusing one's awareness on something specific.

take a closer look at

Implies a more detailed examination following an initial overview.

examine attentively

Focuses on the act of examining with care and attention.

observe carefully

Emphasizes the act of watching and noticing details with precision.

scrutinize meticulously

Highlights a thorough and detailed examination, often implying a critical perspective.

inspect thoroughly

Stresses a complete and detailed check to ensure nothing is missed.

study intently

Focuses on the act of studying with deep concentration.

investigate closely

Suggests a more formal or official examination to uncover facts.

analyze in detail

Emphasizes a systematic and thorough analysis of something.

consider carefully

Focuses on giving something thoughtful attention before making a decision.

FAQs

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

Use "look closely at" to direct someone's attention to specific details that require careful examination, as in "look closely at the evidence" before drawing a conclusion.

What are some alternatives to "look closely at"?

You can use alternatives such as "examine attentively", "observe carefully", or "scrutinize meticulously" depending on the level of formality and the context.

Is it better to say "look closely at" or "take a closer look at"?

Both "look closely at" and "take a closer look at" are correct and usable. The choice depends on personal preference and the rhythm of your sentence. "Take a closer look at" often implies a second, more detailed examination.

What does it mean to "look closely at" something?

To "look closely at" something means to examine it with careful attention to detail, ensuring that you notice and understand all relevant aspects. It suggests a deliberate and thorough observation.