under close supervision

USAGE SUMMARY

"under close supervision" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to describe a situation in which someone is being carefully monitored or directed. Example: The project had to be completed under close supervision.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Whenever possible, she kept him under close supervision.

The New York Times

As a result Greenland is under close supervision.

The Guardian

The monkeys were under close supervision by the university veterinarians.

Nature

Balls are practically controlled substances, parceled out under close supervision by playground monitors.

The New York Times

The civilians were not operating controls by themselves but were under close supervision of experienced sailors, said Lt. Cmdr.

The New York Times

Only after a few years was he permitted, under close supervision, to cut the heads off some fish.

The New York Times - Food

Mr ElBaradei's argument is that it is better to let Iran continue limited work under close supervision.

The Economist

A spate of prison pictures from Texas shows men behind bars, at hard labor picking and transporting cotton and "relaxing" under close supervision by guards.

The New York Times

Misc  57 had thought there might be a limited role for the troops in delivering ancillary materials, such as lighting-up oil, under close supervision.

The Guardian

Navy officials have said that a second civilian, also under close supervision, held a wheel that helped guide the submarine's ascent.

The New York Times

Each time she went back to school, she says she was made to sit by herself in silence, under close supervision, day after day.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under close supervision", ensure that the context clarifies who is providing the supervision and what aspects are being monitored. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "under close supervision" when the situation only requires occasional monitoring. Overstating the level of oversight can create a false impression of control and attention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under close supervision" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the manner in which an action is performed or a state is maintained. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "under close supervision" is a commonly used prepositional phrase indicating that someone or something is being carefully monitored. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. When using this phrase, clarity about who is supervising and what is being monitored is essential. While the phrase is versatile, avoid overstating the level of supervision when it is not truly "close". Alternatives like "under strict observation" or "with vigilant oversight" can be used to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under strict observation

Replaces "supervision" with "observation", emphasizing the act of watching more than guiding.

under careful monitoring

Substitutes "close supervision" with "careful monitoring", highlighting the attention to detail in the oversight.

with vigilant oversight

Uses "vigilant oversight" to suggest a proactive and watchful form of supervision.

closely monitored

Simplifies the structure by using a passive verb phrase instead of a prepositional phrase.

under tight control

Focuses on the aspect of control rather than the act of supervising.

under constant surveillance

Emphasizes continuous watching, often implying a security context.

closely guarded

Suggests protection and control, implying a potential threat.

under the watchful eye

Uses a more figurative expression to indicate careful observation.

subject to rigorous scrutiny

Highlights a thorough and critical examination, shifting the focus from direct oversight.

within a controlled environment

Shifts the focus to the setting where activities are managed, rather than the act of supervision itself.

FAQs

How can I use "under close supervision" in a sentence?

You can use "under close supervision" to describe situations where someone is being carefully monitored or directed, such as "The trainees completed the project "under close supervision" of a senior engineer".

What are some alternatives to "under close supervision"?

Alternatives include "under strict observation", "under careful monitoring", or "with vigilant oversight" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "under close supervision"?

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize that an activity is being carefully watched and guided, typically to ensure safety, accuracy, or compliance with regulations.

Is "under close supervision" formal or informal?

"Under close supervision" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it is often found in professional and academic settings.