looking very closely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking very closely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of examining something with great attention to detail. Example: "The scientist was looking very closely at the samples under the microscope to identify any anomalies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And they are looking very closely.

The New York Times

"We are looking very closely at these products and transaction.

The Washington Post

"We're looking very closely at our exhibitions," Dr. Gedeon said.

The New York Times

"People are looking very closely at values," Mr. Dunlap said.

The New York Times

"People were looking very closely at the map.

The Guardian

"Everybody is looking very closely, especially Hong Kong and Vietnam, the neighboring countries.

The New York Times

"People are looking very closely to see what he is really going to do.

The New Yorker

It emerged that Downing Street was looking very closely at new restrictions on strike action.

The Guardian

"We'll obviously be looking very closely at how [Hunt] handles those issues.

The Guardian

"We are looking very closely at it; we like what we have seen so far".

The Guardian - Business

"We are looking very closely at the F.D.I.C. program," Mr. Donovan said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. While the phrase is versatile, it's particularly effective in situations where scrutiny and careful analysis are important, such as investigations, research, or evaluations.

Common error

While "very" intensifies "closely", be mindful of overuse. In some contexts, "looking closely" alone might suffice to convey sufficient emphasis without sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking very closely" functions as a verb phrase often used as part of a continuous verb tense. It modifies the verb "to look", adding emphasis to the thoroughness and attention to detail involved in the act of observing or examining something. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "looking very closely" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to emphasize thorough examination or observation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "examining meticulously" or "scrutinizing intently" offer similar meanings, "looking very closely" provides a versatile and readily understood expression. When writing, be mindful of redundancy and ensure the phrase aligns with the desired tone and emphasis for your specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

examining meticulously

Emphasizes thoroughness and attention to detail in the examination.

inspecting carefully

Highlights the cautious and deliberate nature of the inspection.

scrutinizing intently

Focuses on the deep and focused observation.

observing keenly

Stresses the sharp and perceptive quality of the observation.

monitoring closely

Suggests a continuous and vigilant observation over time.

analyzing thoroughly

Highlights the detailed and comprehensive nature of the analysis.

investigating rigorously

Implies a strict and methodical approach to the investigation.

assessing comprehensively

Focuses on the broad and inclusive evaluation.

giving close attention

Emphasizes the allocation of focus and care to the subject.

taking a hard look

Suggests a critical and uncompromising evaluation.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "looking very closely" at something?

When someone is "looking very closely" at something, it means they are examining it with great attention to detail, often because it is important or requires careful analysis.

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

You can use "looking very closely" to describe the act of examining something meticulously. For example: "The investigators are "looking very closely" at the evidence to find clues."

What are some alternatives to "looking very closely"?

You can use alternatives like "examining meticulously", "inspecting carefully", or "scrutinizing intently" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "looking closely" or "looking very closely"?

Both "looking closely" and "looking very closely" are correct. The choice depends on the degree of emphasis you want to convey. "Looking very closely" simply adds extra emphasis to the act of careful examination.