look meticulously

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "look meticulously" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone to examine or inspect something with great care and attention to detail. Example: "Before submitting your report, make sure to look meticulously for any errors or inconsistencies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

An attractive gay couple who both have the sort of beards that look meticulously painted on.

The New Yorker

"Staging" — dressing up a home to look meticulously lived in — is a passion of his, and one that appears to deflect his attention from the shifting realities of his business.

The New York Times - Arts

The level of detail and the image's surreal lighting might look meticulously planned, but McLeod relies much more on instinct.

Vice

Unless you do something drastic to your methods (e.g., include a scoring scheme for quality of interaction, consider the compartments of the proteins and whether they can interact actually under TB infection or look meticulously at the biological function) this will stay so.

Biology Direct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Mr. McGregor's technically complex choreographic effects looked meticulously plotted.

The New York Times - Arts

Ms. Lennox looked meticulously casual for an interview over croissants and coffee at a bistro near her home in north London.

The New York Times - Arts

Ms. Waring opened one to show off Mr. Young's handwriting, which is confoundingly illegible but looks meticulously drawn, like the readout from an electrocardiogram.

The New York Times

It would be easy to mistake a muslin for one of the finished dresses, were every look not meticulously hung on a working rack nearby.

The New York Times

Or, to be more precise, Lombardi's art, while scrupulous and eye-opening, is not really about specifics, although it can first appear to be because his drawings look so meticulously made.

The New York Times - Arts

It's furnished like a hip living room, with a leather couch, side tables, bookcases, a large fabric-covered ottoman the kinds of trappings that make a space look both meticulously set up and easy to imagine as part of your home, if your home is a Wayfair photo shoot set.

MIT Technology Review

Organized in different patterns ranging from straight gradients to continent-like shapes, Randazzo's 3D printed stone fields look like meticulously arranged Zen rock gardens.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "look meticulously", ensure the context involves a need for thoroughness and attention to detail. For example, "Look meticulously at the data to identify any anomalies."

Common error

Avoid using "look meticulously" in everyday situations where a simple "look" or "check" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnatural and overly formal. Save it for situations where careful scrutiny is truly required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look meticulously" functions as a verb phrase, where "look" is the main verb and "meticulously" is an adverb modifying it. It describes the manner in which something is being observed or examined, emphasizing thoroughness and attention to detail. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is accepted.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "look meticulously" is grammatically sound but relatively rare in usage. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is considered correct. The phrase functions as a verb phrase, urging careful and detailed visual examination and its use is primarily seen in news, media, and scientific contexts. For more casual settings, simpler alternatives like "examine closely" or "inspect carefully" may be more appropriate. While the phrase is valid, ensuring the context warrants its level of formality is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

examine closely

Focuses on a detailed investigation, shifting from general observation to specific scrutiny.

inspect carefully

Emphasizes a formal or methodical review, rather than a casual glance.

scrutinize thoroughly

Suggests a critical and in-depth analysis, implying a search for flaws or discrepancies.

investigate meticulously

Highlights a structured inquiry, prioritizing the research aspect rather than simple looking.

analyze in detail

Centers on breaking down a subject into its components for thorough understanding, not just observation.

observe attentively

Stresses active and engaged watching, rather than a passive or cursory glance.

review comprehensively

Indicates a complete and all-encompassing assessment, not just a visual check.

study with precision

Implies scholarly or scientific attention, changing the focus to learning and understanding.

consider thoughtfully

Focuses on deep reflection and contemplation, more than mere visual inspection.

assess with diligence

Highlights the effort and care taken in the evaluation process, moving away from simple observation.

FAQs

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

Use "look meticulously" when you want to emphasize the need for a very careful and detailed examination. For instance, "The auditor must look meticulously at the financial records to detect any discrepancies."

What are some alternatives to "look meticulously"?

Alternatives include "examine closely", "inspect carefully", or "scrutinize thoroughly". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "examine meticulously" or "look meticulously"?

While both are grammatically correct, "examine meticulously" often implies a more formal and in-depth investigation than "look meticulously". The choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

In what kind of contexts is "look meticulously" most appropriate?

"Look meticulously" is most appropriate in contexts where precision and attention to detail are crucial, such as scientific research, legal analysis, or quality control processes.