probably more closely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "probably more closely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when making a comparative statement about the degree of similarity or connection between two things. Example: "This new model probably more closely resembles the original design than the previous version did."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The latter group was probably more closely related to true elephants.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some, such as Dilophosaurus and Carnotaurus, were probably more closely related to basal ceratosaurs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(Collectors affectionately refer to trilobites as "bugs," though they were probably more closely related to today's horseshoe crabs).

The New Yorker

And if it looks more like one species of goose than another, it is probably more closely related to the former than the latter.

The Economist

New Orleans's charter schools are probably more closely watched than public schools ever were, and those that fail to meet targets do not get their charters renewed.

The Economist

His newfangled pitch probably more closely resembled what is now known as a knuckle curve a pitch that, despite the name, bears little in-flight resemblance to Wakefield's floater.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Landman specializes in ammonites, which looked like nautiluses but probably were more closely related to octopuses.

The New Yorker

On Wednesday, we will model the men's quarterfinalists, probably a more closely matched group.

The New York Times

These images, doll-like and audacious, probably correspond more closely than Ife work does to popular ideas of what "African art" is suppose to look like.

The New York Times - Arts

These are hardly the only things that Jonathan F. Miller, chief executive of the America Online division, will discuss: investors will probably focus more closely on the future of its advertising business, for example, where Mr. Miller has said he plans to offer a new and clearer measurement of sales.

The New York Times

Romenesko's probably been more closely tied to the media news cycle than any other national figure, even though he works primarily from his Evanston, Illinois, home and nearby coffee shops.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "probably more closely", ensure that the comparison is clear and that there are specific criteria for evaluating the closeness of the relationship being described. For example, "This design probably more closely aligns with the client's vision.".

Common error

Avoid using "probably more closely" when the relationship is easily quantifiable or definitively known. This phrase is best suited for situations where the connection is a matter of interpretation or degree, not fact. For example, instead of saying 'The document is probably more closely related to the case,' when documents are clearly unrelated, you may want to do more research.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "probably more closely" functions as an adverbial modifier, softening the assertion of a comparison. As Ludwig AI confirms, it adds a degree of uncertainty or likelihood to how closely related two things are.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "probably more closely" serves as a qualifier in comparative statements, adding a layer of uncertainty to the assertion of relatedness. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and sees common use across a variety of contexts, particularly in scientific, news, and encyclopedia sources, as seen in the provided examples. When writing, ensure a clear comparison and evaluate the degree of certainty. While "probably more closely" adds an element of qualification, its misuse can undermine clarity. Therefore, the best approach is a nuanced decision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

likely more closely

Replaces "probably" with "likely", conveying a stronger sense of probability.

perhaps more closely

Replaces "probably" with "perhaps", conveying a similar degree of uncertainty.

presumably more closely

Replaces "probably" with "presumably", implying the connection is based on assumption or prior evidence.

indeed more closely

Substitutes "probably" with "indeed", strengthening the affirmation of a close connection.

arguably more closely

Substitutes "probably" with "arguably", suggesting the connection is open to debate or interpretation.

evidently more closely

Replaces "probably" with "evidently", indicating the connection is clear and obvious.

apparently more closely

Uses "apparently" instead of "probably", indicating the connection is based on outward appearances or initial observations.

potentially more closely

Uses "potentially" instead of "probably", suggesting the connection is possible but not certain.

maybe more closely

Substitutes "probably" with "maybe", suggesting a lower degree of certainty.

certainly more closely

Implies a higher level of confidence than the original query.

FAQs

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

Use "probably more closely" to suggest a higher degree of relatedness or similarity between two subjects or ideas. For example: "The updated model "probably more closely" reflects the original design."

What phrases are similar to "probably more closely"?

Similar phrases include "likely more closely", "presumably more closely", or "arguably more closely", which can be used to express a degree of probability or likelihood in a comparison.

Is it always necessary to include "probably" before "more closely"?

No, "probably" is not always necessary. Omitting "probably" creates a more definitive statement. The choice depends on the degree of certainty you wish to express. Without it, the claim is stronger. For example, if you are sure of the connection, just use "more closely".

Can "probably more closely" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "probably more closely" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when precision and qualification are important. It is often used in scientific or academic contexts to convey a measured assessment of a relationship.