read closely

USAGE SUMMARY

"read closely" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to pay attention to something they are reading and examine it carefully. For example, "I want you to read this passage closely and make sure you understand it before you move on to the next section."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Some books are meant to be read closely.

The New York Times

LYDIA DAVIS: Beckett was a writer I read closely and intensely starting way back.

The New Yorker

But even that talk in Austin, read closely, seemed to point to a more specific idea.

The New Yorker

When read closely, it reveals itself as a true document of its times.

The New York Times - Arts

But Disney's public pronouncements in support of beardies need to be read closely.

The Guardian - Opinion

But few of these Bible verses, read closely, seem definitive; visions and allegories outnumber rules and regulations.

The New Yorker

Friday's report will certainly become a factor in the resulting litigation and will most likely be read closely by Justice Department criminal and civil investigators.

The New York Times

Vogue was among the magazines he read closely after passengers left copies behind in the rail cars along the route between Chicago and Seattle.

The New York Times

To learn any new spot in surfing, you first bring to bear your knowledge of other breaks — all the other waves you've learned to read closely.

The New Yorker

It includes 383 explicit questions for firms which, if read closely, break down into 1,420 subquestions, according to Davis Polk, a law firm.

The Economist

In Silicon Valley, home to many Microsoft rivals, the ruling is likely to be read closely in many corporate legal departments.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "read closely", provide specific guidance on what aspects to focus on, such as key arguments, supporting evidence, or potential biases.

Common error

Avoid skimming when you need to "read closely". Skimming can lead to missing critical details and misinterpreting the author's intended message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "read closely" functions primarily as an imperative, instructing the reader to engage with a text in a careful and attentive manner. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which often use it in direct instructions or recommendations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

29%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "read closely" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to encourage careful and attentive reading. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. It functions as an imperative, emphasizing the importance of detail-oriented comprehension, applicable across neutral registers from news articles to scientific papers. To enhance understanding, consider alternatives like "examine carefully" or "scrutinize thoroughly", while avoiding the mistake of skimming to prevent misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

examine carefully

Emphasizes the act of scrutinizing something in detail, shifting focus from reading to a broader examination.

scrutinize thoroughly

Highlights a detailed and critical inspection, adding an element of assessment.

analyze meticulously

Focuses on a detailed and systematic analysis, implying a structured approach to understanding.

study attentively

Stresses the act of paying close attention while studying, implying a learning objective.

peruse carefully

Implies a thorough and detailed reading, often with the intention of discovering something.

review meticulously

Highlights a careful and detailed review process, often involving correction or improvement.

interpret thoughtfully

Focuses on understanding and explaining the meaning, emphasizing a deeper level of comprehension.

consider deeply

Suggests a thorough and careful thought process, focusing on the underlying implications.

pay close attention

Shifts the focus to the act of paying attention generally, rather than specifically reading.

give careful consideration

Implies a deliberate and thoughtful evaluation, broader than just reading.

FAQs

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

You can use "read closely" to instruct someone to pay careful attention to the details of a text. For example, "Read closely to understand the author's intent."

What does "read closely" mean?

"Read closely" means to examine a text carefully, paying attention to details, nuances, and underlying meanings.

What are some alternatives to "read closely"?

Alternatives include "examine carefully", "scrutinize thoroughly", or "analyze meticulously" depending on the specific context.

Why is it important to "read closely"?

Reading closely ensures you fully understand the text, identify subtle arguments, and avoid misinterpretations.