more closely

USAGE SUMMARY

'more closely' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are making a comparison and wish to emphasize the increasingly higher degree of a certain characteristic. For example, "We looked more closely at the evidence and found an even more dramatic result."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I looked more closely.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He looked more closely.

The New Yorker

Now look more closely.

The New York Times

Consider the example more closely.

The New York Times

They looked more closely.

The New York Times

So we examined it more closely.

The New Yorker

"We'll look at it more closely".

The New York Times - Sports

I parked and looked more closely.

The New Yorker

But then, look a little more closely.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Let's analyze this a little more closely.

The New York Times

It's worth examining Goldsmith's evidence more closely.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more closely" when you want to emphasize the act of examining something with greater attention to detail than previously done.

Common error

While grammatically sound, overuse of "more closely" in casual conversation can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler phrases like "look closer" or "check it out" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more closely" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the manner in which an action is performed. It modifies verbs of perception, examination, or analysis, specifying a higher degree of attention or detail. Examples in Ludwig AI show its wide application across different verb contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more closely" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverbial phrase that modifies verbs, indicating a higher degree of attention or detail in an action. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal settings, where its precision adds clarity. When aiming for a casual tone, consider using alternatives like "look closer" or "check it out". To enhance your writing, remember that "more closely" serves to emphasize the increased level of scrutiny, prompting a deeper and more thorough investigation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in greater detail

Emphasizes the level of detail involved in the examination.

with greater scrutiny

Highlights the critical and thorough nature of the examination.

under closer inspection

Focuses on the act of inspecting with increased attention.

more attentively

Emphasizes the level of attention given during observation.

with a finer focus

Highlights the precision and clarity of the observation.

in more depth

Suggests a deeper exploration or analysis.

more thoroughly

Emphasizes the completeness and comprehensiveness of the examination.

with heightened awareness

Focuses on increased sensory or cognitive perception.

in sharp focus

Highlights the clarity and precision of the observation.

with increased precision

Emphasizes the accuracy and exactness of the examination.

FAQs

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

You can use "more closely" to describe the action of observing, examining, or analyzing something with greater attention or detail than before. For example, "Let's examine the data "more closely" to identify any trends".

What are some alternatives to "more closely"?

Alternatives include "in greater detail", "with greater scrutiny", or "under closer inspection" depending on the specific context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "more closely"?

No, it's grammatically correct, but consider your audience. In very informal situations, something like "take a closer look" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "more closely" and "closer"?

"Closer" typically refers to physical proximity, while "more closely" often refers to a more detailed or attentive examination. For example, "Come closer" versus "Let's look "more closely" at the data".