more closely than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more closely than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the degree of similarity or proximity between two subjects or objects. Example: "She understands the topic more closely than her peers, which gives her an advantage in discussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And now her body is scrutinised more closely than ever.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The banks will be watching more closely than most.

The Economist

Mars said he keeps that in mind and mikes himself more closely than he used to.

The Guardian

But few people have watched events in Abkhazia more closely than their ethnic kin, the Circassians.

The New York Times

Some young Nigerians, he said, follow American politics more closely than they do Nigerian politics.

The New Yorker

So we'll scrutinize General Clark, undoubtedly a lot more closely than he would like.

The New York Times

He attended meetings and observed workouts even more closely than usual.

The New York Times - Sports

Everywhere, though, drivers were being scrutinized even more closely than the contents of their tanks.

The New Yorker

Some people reported being patronised by management or monitored more closely than other colleagues.

The Guardian

"Parents should monitor their kids more closely than before," Dr. Cloitre said.

The New York Times

Their lives resembled ours more closely than we can let ourselves imagine.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the level of scrutiny, ensure the objects of comparison are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example: "Researchers analyzed the data more closely than initially anticipated."

Common error

Avoid using "more closely than" when simply indicating proximity without a comparison. It's incorrect to say "The store is located more closely than the library" if you're not comparing it to something else.

Linguistic Context

More closely than functions as a comparative adverbial phrase. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct, used to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, showing a greater degree or intensity in the action or quality being described, often in comparison to something else.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more closely than" is a grammatically sound and versatile comparative phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. Its primary function is to indicate a greater degree of scrutiny, similarity, or attention, as shown across various news, science, and encyclopedic sources. When writing, ensure that you are making a clear comparison and that the adverb "closely" is correctly modifying the verb. Alternatives like "to a greater extent than" or "more intimately than" can be used to add nuance, but "more closely than" remains a reliable choice in many contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to a greater extent than

Emphasizes the degree or amount by which something exceeds another.

more intimately than

Suggests a deeper or more personal connection or understanding.

more meticulously than

Highlights the thoroughness and attention to detail involved.

more rigorously than

Implies a stricter or more demanding approach.

more thoroughly than

Emphasizes the completeness of an action or investigation.

more attentively than

Highlights the level of focus and care given.

more precisely than

Indicates a higher degree of accuracy or exactness.

in greater detail than

Focuses on the level of information provided.

to a larger degree than

Similar to 'to a greater extent', but perhaps applicable in more quantifiable contexts.

more carefully than

Emphasizes caution and prudence.

FAQs

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

Use "more closely than" to compare the degree to which something is observed, examined, or related, such as, "Scientists are studying the effects of climate change "more closely than" ever before."

What can I say instead of "more closely than"?

Alternatives include "to a greater extent than", "more intimately than", or "in greater detail than", depending on the specific context you're trying to convey.

Is it correct to say 'more close than' instead of "more closely than"?

No, "more close than" is grammatically incorrect. The adverb "closely" should be used to modify the verb, not the adjective "close". Always use ""more closely than"".

What's the difference between "more closely than" and "more carefully than"?

"More closely than" suggests a higher degree of observation or scrutiny, whereas "more carefully than" implies a greater level of caution or attention to detail. The choice depends on whether you are emphasizing observation or caution.