observing closely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "observing closely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the act of paying careful attention to something or someone in detail. Example: "The scientist was observing closely to gather accurate data for her research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

She knows every plant in this garden, observing closely when one succeeds and another fails.

The New York Times

The sting, however, gradually lessens without quite becoming a caress; it begins to feel like a way of observing closely.

The New Yorker

The rest of corporate Japan will be observing closely from the sidelines and may be preparing to follow his lead.

The Economist

All will be observing closely what some claim to be the death throes of the lottery funded National Botanic Garden of Wales in Carmarthenshire.

The Guardian

"The tendency to build buildings for a fixed program is obsolete now," said Gehry, who will be observing closely the way these flexible spaces will be used as he tackles his next major project: a new Facebook HQ for Mark Zuckerberg.

The Guardian - Arts

We are observing closely for insights and understanding.

Journal of Organization Design

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

One key to being exercised is to develop the skills of observation, which includes knowing what needs to be observed closely.

Forbes

"How else could you stop loneliness?" Gunn observes closely and knits the reader in.

The New York Times - Books

A few species, in several subfamilies, have been observed closely, and some generalizations are possible.

Britannica

2009 FD will be observed closely when it comes near Earth in October 2015.

Cornell University

This program, presented by Volunteers for Wildlife, will allow children to observe closely live examples of several species.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "observing closely" to emphasize the deliberate and detailed nature of observation, whether it's in scientific research, personal relationships, or professional settings.

Common error

Avoid phrasing like "it was observed closely" when you can use the active voice to clarify who is doing the observing: "The scientists observed the reaction closely."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "observing closely" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often in the gerund form (observing) when used as a subject or part of a continuous action. It modifies the action by specifying the manner in which it is performed, as seen in Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

52%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "observing closely" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey careful and detailed attention. As Ludwig AI explains, it functions as a verb phrase and is frequently found in news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts. While alternatives such as "scrutinizing carefully" or "watching attentively" exist, "observing closely" maintains a neutral to formal tone, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Remember to use the active voice when possible to enhance clarity, and always emphasize the deliberate nature of the observation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scrutinizing carefully

Emphasizes a more critical and detailed examination.

watching attentively

Highlights the act of paying close attention while watching.

monitoring intently

Suggests a continuous and focused observation, often for a specific purpose.

examining thoroughly

Focuses on a complete and detailed investigation.

inspecting meticulously

Implies a very careful and precise examination.

keeping a close watch

Indicates continuous observation to ensure nothing is missed.

paying close attention

Highlights the act of giving considerable focus and awareness.

following closely

Suggests keeping track of something's development or progress with careful attention.

studying carefully

Emphasizes learning and understanding through detailed observation.

analyzing in detail

Highlights the process of breaking down and examining something minutely.

FAQs

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

You can use "observing closely" to describe the act of paying careful attention to something, as in, "The doctor was "observing closely" for any changes in the patient's condition".

What are some alternatives to "observing closely"?

Alternatives include "scrutinizing carefully", "watching attentively", or "monitoring intently", each offering a slightly different nuance depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "observing closely" or "watching carefully"?

"Observing closely" tends to be slightly more formal and suggests a deliberate, analytical approach, while "watching carefully" is more general and can apply to a wider range of situations.

What's the difference between "observing closely" and "inspecting meticulously"?

"Observing closely" implies paying detailed attention to something, whereas "inspecting meticulously" suggests a thorough examination to identify flaws or ensure compliance with a standard.