much more closely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "much more closely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a greater degree of proximity or similarity in comparison to something else. Example: "The new model aligns much more closely with consumer preferences than the previous version."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Balochi is thus much more closely related to Kurdish than it is to its close neighbour Pashto.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We work much more closely together," Arsham said.

The New York Times

"We should be working much more closely with schools.

The Economist

"We are watching the door much more closely," she said.

The New York Times

"Our intent is to scrutinize photos much more closely.

The New York Times

The relative qualities of English and German beers is a much more closely run thing.

Independent

Alliances share codes but their members work much more closely on routes, schedules and marketing.

The New York Times

"And that makes you look much more closely at its contents".

The New York Times

Firms are starting to track reps much more closely, usually to their dismay.

The Economist

They allow banks, for example, to match their assets and liabilities much more closely.

The Economist

MI6, for example, has been working much more closely with the armed forces recently.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "much more closely" to emphasize a significant increase in proximity, connection, or scrutiny compared to a previous state or another object of comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "much more closely" in very informal settings where simpler alternatives like "closer" or "nearer" are more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can make your language sound unnecessarily formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "much more closely" primarily functions as an adverbial modifier, intensifying the degree to which something is close, connected, or scrutinized. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and common in English. Examples show it modifying verbs to indicate how actions are performed with greater attention or precision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "much more closely" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial modifier that intensifies the degree of proximity, similarity, or scrutiny. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. As demonstrated by Ludwig examples, it's commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, signaling a heightened level of connection or attention to detail. While versatile, it's important to consider the formality of the context and opt for simpler alternatives like "closer" or "nearer" in informal settings. Consider alternatives such as "significantly closer" or "far more intimately", but ensure these alternatives preserve the intended emphasis. The phrase functions to stress a meaningful increment in closeness, both physically and metaphorically.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significantly closer

Emphasizes the extent of the proximity or similarity.

far more intimately

Highlights a deeper, more personal connection or understanding.

considerably nearer

Stresses the reduced distance or gap.

substantially tighter

Focuses on a more secure or restricted connection.

much more meticulously

Highlights a careful and detailed approach.

a great deal closer

This emphasizes the large difference in closeness.

considerably more attentively

Highlights the quality of attention given.

considerably more comprehensively

Highlights the degree of thoroughness of the action.

considerably more precisely

Highlights the degree of precision of the action.

noticeably more cautiously

Emphasizes the increased level of caution or care.

FAQs

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

You can use "much more closely" to describe a heightened degree of connection or proximity, as in, "The updated regulations align "much more closely" with industry standards."

What's a good alternative to "much more closely"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "significantly closer", "considerably nearer", or "far more intimately".

Is it always necessary to use "much more closely", or are there simpler alternatives?

While "much more closely" emphasizes a greater degree of proximity, simpler alternatives such as "closer" or "nearer" may suffice in less formal contexts. The choice depends on the desired level of emphasis.

In what contexts is "much more closely" most appropriate?

"Much more closely" is typically appropriate in formal writing, professional communication, and when providing detailed analyses or comparisons where a high degree of precision is required.