to look closely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to look closely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express the idea of examining something closely and in detail. For example, "We need to look closely at the facts before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

You just have to look closely.

The Guardian - Film

The audience has to look closely.

The New York Times

"You have to look closely at this watch".

The New York Times

Then I happened to look closely at it.

The New Yorker

But those who bothered to look closely had doubts.

The Economist

Applicants also need to look closely at course content.

The Guardian

Buyers are advised to look closely at a product's details.

The New York Times

The French investigation continues to look closely at the component.

The New York Times

"As an industry, it is something we have to look closely at.

Independent

For those prepared to look closely enough, it makes the Louvre show irresistible.

The New York Times - Arts

It's also important to look closely at who gains from welfare policies on a lifetime basis.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to look closely", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being examined and why the detailed observation is important. This adds clarity and purpose to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "to look closely" as a generic phrase. Always specify what the subject is and why a close examination is necessary. For example, instead of "We need to look closely", try "We need to "examine the data" to identify potential errors".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to look closely" functions as an infinitive phrase that typically modifies a verb, adjective, or noun, indicating the manner in which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

4%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to look closely" is a grammatically correct and frequently used infinitive phrase that emphasizes detailed observation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard and acceptable expression. The phrase appears most commonly in News & Media and Science contexts, demonstrating its versatility. While the phrase is generally neutral, ensuring specificity in its usage will strengthen your writing. Alternatives such as "to examine carefully" or "to scrutinize" can add nuance depending on the desired level of formality and detail. Remember to always clarify the subject of examination for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to examine carefully

Replaces "look" with "examine" for a more formal tone.

to observe carefully

Emphasizes the act of noticing details with care.

to watch closely

Focuses more on observing over a period, while the original focuses on detailed examination.

to pay close attention

Shifts the focus to attentiveness rather than the act of seeing.

to inspect thoroughly

Implies a more rigorous and methodical examination.

to scrutinize

Suggests a critical and detailed inspection.

to investigate thoroughly

Suggests a more formal and systematic inquiry.

to study intently

Highlights the focused and purposeful nature of the observation.

to analyze in detail

Highlights the analytical aspect of the observation.

to pore over

Implies a prolonged and meticulous examination, often of documents.

FAQs

How can I use "to look closely" in a sentence?

You can use "to look closely" to describe the act of examining something with great attention to detail. For example, "Applicants also need "to look closely at course content" before applying".

What are some alternatives to "to look closely"?

Some alternatives include "to examine carefully", "to inspect thoroughly", or "to scrutinize". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of detail involved.

Is it ever incorrect to use "to look closely"?

While grammatically correct, using "to look closely" without specifying what is being examined can make the sentence vague. Always provide context or clarify what needs to be scrutinized for better understanding.

What's the difference between "to look closely" and "to look carefully"?

"To look closely" emphasizes detail and precision, while "to look carefully" implies caution and attentiveness. You might "look closely" at a map to find a specific address and "look carefully" when crossing a busy street.