using too closely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "using too closely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is being utilized in a manner that is overly similar or intimate to another thing. Example: "The author was criticized for using too closely the ideas of other writers without proper attribution."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Using too closely related orthologs (Figure 6(C)) resulted in a severe further decrease of the RR for both MEME and PG (despite lowering the tracking threshold).

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Hairspray: Hairspray is a life saver sometimes, however most of them use alcohol which can be drying at times, it may also make your curls stiff if it is used too closely, so simply spraying it upwards in an area and walking up and down in it enough for your hair to move is usually enough.

WikiHow

I would use "guilt" and "remorse", except that those words are, at least in some of their uses, too closely associated with the morality system.

SEP

In casting the role of Grandad, Sullivan had in mind an actor similar to Wilfrid Brambell, who had played Albert Steptoe in Steptoe and Son, although chose not to use Brambell himself, thinking him too closely associated with Steptoe.

Wikipedia

don't use concrete and abstract shapes too closely.

WikiHow

Only cut out things you're sure you won't use, and don't cut them off too closely to things you probably will use.

WikiHow

Let us not analyse it too closely.

The Guardian

They might be sympathizers taking up a collection on Reddit for an innocent bystander whose name too closely resembles the pseudonym used by Bitcoin's creator.

The New Yorker

The tactics used are too similar, the individuals concerned too closely linked, and the behaviour of a few parents and governors too orchestrated for there not to be a degree of co-ordination and organisation behind what has happened.

The Guardian

Genetic relatedness of all possible pairs of individuals was calculated to identify individuals too closely related to be used in the association study.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Planar view TEM can give a more complete characterization, but in high misfit systems such as InN/GaN the MDs are too closely spaced to be resolved using diffraction contrast.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "using too closely", ensure it's clear what is being used and what it's being compared to. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "using too closely" when a more specific term like "copying" or "imitating" would be more accurate. This enhances clarity and precision in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "using too closely" functions as an adverbial modifier, describing how an action (often involving utilization or analysis) is performed. It indicates that something is being applied or examined with excessive similarity or intensity, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "using too closely" is a grammatically sound expression employed to convey that something is being utilized with excessive similarity or intensity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While it's a relatively common phrase, its application spans various contexts, including science, news, and general writing. When employing "using too closely", clarity is key. Ensure you clearly define what's being used and to what extent it's being closely applied. Alternatives such as "relying too heavily" or "copying too closely" may offer greater precision depending on the specific context you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relying too heavily

Indicates a strong dependence or overuse of something, shifting the focus from proximity to dependence.

drawing too heavily from

Emphasizes the act of extracting or borrowing excessively from a source.

copying too closely

Focuses specifically on the act of replicating something with minimal deviation.

imitating too closely

Highlights the act of mimicking something to a degree that might be considered excessive.

following too closely

Suggests adhering to something with minimal deviation, often in a literal or prescriptive sense.

analyzing too meticulously

Focuses on the depth and intensity of analysis, suggesting excessive scrutiny.

examining too meticulously

Similar to analyzing, but emphasizing the act of inspection or observation.

scrutinizing too intently

Implies a critical and focused examination, often with a negative connotation.

identifying too strongly

Indicates an excessive degree of empathy or alignment with something or someone.

associating too strongly

Highlights an overly tight connection or relationship between two things.

FAQs

How can I use "using too closely" in a sentence?

You can use "using too closely" to describe situations where something is being utilized in a manner that is overly similar or intimate to something else. For example, "The author was criticized for "using too closely" the ideas of other writers without proper attribution."

What are some alternatives to "using too closely"?

Alternatives include "relying too heavily", "drawing too heavily from", or "copying too closely", depending on the specific context.

Is it always negative to "use too closely" something?

While "using too closely" often implies a negative connotation of overuse or lack of originality, it is not inherently negative. The context determines whether the close usage is problematic or acceptable.

What is the difference between "using too closely" and "drawing inspiration from"?

"Using too closely" suggests a high degree of similarity that may border on plagiarism or lack originality, while "drawing inspiration from" implies that something is used as a starting point for something new and original.