look more closely

USAGE SUMMARY

"look more closely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to encourage someone to pay more attention to something. For example, "Look more closely at the instructions before you start the assignment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now look more closely.

The New York Times

Look more closely at the contradictions.

The New York Times

Sounds swell, but look more closely.

The New York Times

Ana got up to look more closely.

The New Yorker

Let's look more closely at what's on the table.

The New York Times

But look more closely, and a different picture emerges.

The New York Times

Let's look more closely at what she's wearing, shall we?

The New York Times

There is not always enough incentive to look more closely.

The New York Times - Arts

But look more closely, and unexpected similarities emerge.

The Economist

But if you look more closely, the comparison falters.

The New York Times

It will encourage people to look more closely at them.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions, "look more closely" can be used to guide someone to identify subtle but important features or aspects of a subject.

Common error

While effective, repeatedly using "look more closely" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "examine carefully" or "scrutinize" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look more closely" functions as an imperative phrase, urging the listener or reader to examine something with greater attention to detail. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts, confirming its role as a directive.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "look more closely" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that serves as an imperative, urging the audience to examine something with greater attention to detail. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for a wide array of contexts, including news, media, and scientific writing. While it maintains a neutral register, it is essential to avoid overusing it and consider synonyms like "examine carefully" or "scrutinize". With its frequent appearance in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Economist, "look more closely" proves to be a valuable tool for encouraging deeper analysis and observation in both written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

examine with greater care

Replaces "look" with "examine" and adds "with greater care" for emphasis.

investigate further

Uses "investigate" to imply a more thorough and formal examination.

scrutinize carefully

Emphasizes a critical and detailed examination with "scrutinize".

give closer attention

Focuses on directing more attentiveness towards the subject.

study in detail

Highlights the act of studying with thoroughness.

analyze meticulously

Implies a detailed and methodical analysis.

check thoroughly

Replaces "look" with "check" suggesting a verification process.

observe intently

Focuses on the act of observing with greater focus.

consider attentively

Suggests a careful and thoughtful consideration.

delve deeper

Emphasizes going beyond the surface for a more profound understanding.

FAQs

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

Use "look more closely" to direct attention to details that might be overlooked. For example, "Look more closely at the data to identify the trend" or "Look more closely at the evidence before making a decision".

What is a more formal alternative to "look more closely"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "examine in detail", "scrutinize carefully", or "investigate further" which convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

When is it appropriate to use "look more closely"?

It is appropriate when you want someone to pay more attention to details that are not immediately obvious. It's suitable for both writing and speech, particularly when providing instructions or analyzing information.

What phrases are similar in meaning to "look more closely"?

Synonyms include phrases such as "give closer attention", "study carefully", or "observe intently", all of which encourage a deeper and more focused examination.