pursuing closely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pursuing closely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of following or chasing something with great attention or intensity. Example: "The detective was pursuing closely the lead that could crack the case wide open."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wikipedia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Suitably chastened by the discovery of his error, Essex increased the pace of his retreat, with the Royalists pursuing closely.

Wikipedia

Belle Poule and Côte d'Or exchange signals during the morning, and at 11 00 the transport suddenly raised sails and departed the anchorage, Terpsichore pursuing closely.

Wikipedia

Further back in fourth and fifth were the two BMW Saubers of Kubica and Heidfeld and behind them were Alonso, Trulli, Webber, Rosberg and Coulthard, with Kovalainen pursuing closely behind them.

Wikipedia

Captain Bruilhac on Belle Poule assisted his admiral for as long as possible, but at 06:15 swung away with British frigate pursuing closely.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Another image, taken seconds later, showed him running through the crowd pursued closely by police, holding the weapon aloft.

The Guardian

These merchant ships recognised the French warships and fled, pursued closely by Berceau and Sémillante.

Wikipedia

Meanwhile, Alviano, unexpectedly left without French support, retreated into the Veneto, pursued closely by the Spanish army under Cardona.

Wikipedia

Lancaster was pursued closely by the king's men and eventually captured at the Battle of Boroughbridge; he was later executed on the king's orders.

Wikipedia

"But as a movement, he was unable to lead and manage as he was being pursued so closely".

The New York Times

He was always a symbol, but as a movement, he was unable to lead and manage as he was being pursued so closely".

The New York Times

More than 250 protesters walked quickly and sometimes ran through the streets of SoHo and the West Village, at one point storming through a movie set on Macdougal Street as groups of police vehicles with lights and sirens pursued them closely.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pursuing closely" when highlighting the determination and proximity in following something, whether it's a physical object, an idea, or a goal. This emphasizes the intensity of the pursuit.

Common error

Avoid using "pursuing closely" when a simple observation or following is intended. Instead, opt for phrases like "observing" or "monitoring" if the context doesn't involve active chasing or intense effort. Reserve "pursuing closely" for situations where active and determined follow-up is crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pursuing closely" functions as a verb phrase, where 'pursuing' is a present participle acting as the main verb, and 'closely' is an adverb modifying the verb to specify the manner of pursuit. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

54%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pursuing closely" is a grammatically correct and readily usable verb phrase that describes the act of following someone or something with great attention and proximity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is generally applicable across a variety of contexts, ranging from journalism and encyclopedic entries to scientific publications. While not extremely common, "pursuing closely" effectively conveys a sense of active and determined follow-up, making it a valuable tool for writers seeking to express intensity and immediacy in their descriptions. Remember to reserve "pursuing closely" for instances when a high degree of effort and nearness is intended, differentiating it from mere observation or tracking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

following intently

Focuses on the act of following with great attention, similar to "pursuing closely" but without necessarily implying a chase.

chasing vigorously

Emphasizes the energetic and determined nature of the chase, adding intensity to the idea of "pursuing closely".

shadowing carefully

Implies a discreet form of pursuit, suggesting observation without being immediately apparent, unlike the more direct implication of "pursuing closely".

trailing right behind

Highlights the proximity and immediacy of the pursuit, suggesting that the pursuer is very near to the pursued, maintaining the close proximity of "pursuing closely".

keeping pace with

Suggests maintaining the same speed or progress as something else, indicating a form of pursuit in a competitive or developmental context.

stalking relentlessly

Conveys a more aggressive and determined pursuit, implying a persistent and unwavering effort to catch or find something.

hunting fiercely

Similar to stalking relentlessly, emphasizes the intensity and aggression of pursuing, often used in the context of literal or figurative hunting.

dogging their heels

This idiom suggests relentlessly following someone, often with the intent to harass or pressure them, similar to "pursuing closely" in a negative context.

breathing down their neck

This idiom implies an oppressive and intrusive form of pursuit, suggesting that someone is very closely monitoring or pressuring another person.

on their tail

Indicates being in close pursuit, often in a competitive or adversarial context, such as a race or chase, similar to the immediacy conveyed by "pursuing closely".

FAQs

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

You can use "pursuing closely" to describe actions where someone or something is being followed with intensity and proximity. For example, "The detective was "pursuing closely" the suspect" or "The company is "pursuing closely" its competitors in the market".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "pursuing closely"?

Alternatives to "pursuing closely" include "following intently", "chasing vigorously", or "trailing right behind". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "pursuing close" instead of "pursuing closely"?

While "pursuing close" might seem grammatically similar, it is less common and idiomatic than "pursuing closely". "Closely" is an adverb that modifies the verb "pursuing", indicating how the action is performed. Therefore, "pursuing closely" is the more standard and widely accepted form.

What's the difference between "pursuing closely" and "following closely"?

"Pursuing closely" implies a more active and determined effort, often involving a chase or competition. "Following closely", on the other hand, suggests simply keeping up with something or someone, without necessarily implying the same level of intensity or active pursuit. Choose "following closely" when the emphasis is on observation or tracking, and "pursuing closely" when the emphasis is on actively trying to catch up or overtake.