look very closely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "look very closely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to examine something with great attention to detail. Example: "If you look very closely at the painting, you will notice the artist's unique brush strokes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Close the cabinet door and look very closely at which directions it needs to go.

WikiHow

Look VERY closely for this pest.

Cornell University

We look very closely at applicants with a strong foundation in an engineering or science discipline.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

If you look very closely at him, you can see that he wears gloves.

The New Yorker

Not just tennis, all sports need to look very closely at this.

The New York Times - Sports

I started to look very closely at the average blacktop road and driveway.

The Washington Post

"We will look very closely at the market," he said, "and we will continue our consultation".

The New York Times

Follow all the instructions: Look very closely at the funding rules for the small grants fund.

The Guardian

"I'm certain the E.C.B. will look very closely at today's data," Mr. Eichel said.

The New York Times

If you look very closely at anybody you'll find impediments, women and men both".

The Guardian - Books

If you look very closely, you may detect an extremely subtle hint of homoeroticism here.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "look very closely" to emphasize the importance of careful observation, especially when nuanced or subtle aspects are involved.

Common error

Avoid using "look very closely" excessively in writing. While it emphasizes detail, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Opt for synonyms like "examine carefully" or "scrutinize" to add variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look very closely" functions primarily as an imperative, directing someone to examine something with significant attention to detail. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a grammatically correct and usable phrase. Examples from Ludwig show it used in diverse contexts, from examining cabinet doors to analyzing data.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

24%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "look very closely" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that commands detailed observation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s applicable across various registers, though primarily found in News & Media and Academic sources. When writing, remember to use it purposefully to emphasize the importance of careful examination, and consider synonyms such as "examine meticulously" or "scrutinize carefully" to avoid repetition. By doing so, your writing will be both precise and engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pay close attention

Directly emphasizes the importance of focusing one's attention.

scrutinize carefully

Suggests a more critical and detailed inspection, often looking for flaws or errors.

give close scrutiny

Emphasizes the act of subjecting something to careful and critical examination.

examine meticulously

Emphasizes a thorough and detailed examination, going beyond just looking.

analyze minutely

Highlights a detailed and precise analysis.

inspect thoroughly

Focuses on a complete and comprehensive inspection.

observe attentively

Highlights the act of paying close attention while watching.

study intently

Implies a focused and dedicated effort to understand something through close observation.

investigate deeply

Suggests a more in-depth exploration beyond surface-level observation.

pore over

Implies spending considerable time and effort examining something.

FAQs

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

You can use "look very closely" to instruct someone to pay attention to detail, for example: "Look very closely at the instructions before assembling the furniture."

What are some alternatives to "look very closely"?

Alternatives include "examine carefully", "scrutinize", or "observe intently", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "look very closely" instead of "look closely"?

"Look very closely" emphasizes the importance of detailed observation more strongly than just "look closely". Use it when pointing out nuances and subtle aspects are important.

Is "look very closely" a formal or informal phrase?

"Look very closely" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "examine meticulously" for a more sophisticated tone.