watching very closely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "watching very closely" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when conveying that someone is paying close attention to a particular thing or person. Example sentence: The teacher watched the student very closely as he worked on the math problem.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And they were watching very closely.

The New York Times - Sports

"And I'm watching, very closely, the face change.

The Guardian

"We're watching very closely," Gail Gitcho, communications director for the Romney campaign, said Monday morning.

The New York Times

Gilbert the magician seemed to want to be sure you were watching very closely.

The New York Times

"We will be watching very closely as the whole process unfolds".

The New York Times

"We're watching very closely what's going on in other parts of the country," Mr. Seekamp said.

The New York Times

"The other cruise lines will be watching very closely what happens here".

The New York Times

Whether they do more than talk is something that voters should be watching very closely.

The New York Times

As the parliamentary election approached, Clinton administration officials were watching very closely for trend lines.

The New York Times

A nervous British publishing industry will be watching very closely to see if Amazon cleans up in the coming months.

The Guardian

"They must be watching very closely," Philip Wong, Yue Yuen's investor relations manager, said of the shoe companies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation that requires monitoring or careful attention, "watching very closely" can effectively communicate the seriousness and importance of the observation.

Common error

Avoid using "watching very closely" repeatedly in a short span of text. Vary your language with synonyms like "following closely" or "observing attentively" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "watching very closely" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It describes how an action (watching) is performed, indicating a high degree of attention and vigilance. Ludwig examples show it is commonly used to describe monitoring situations or processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "watching very closely" is a correct and frequently used phrase that serves to emphasize the focused and intense nature of observation. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While "watching very closely" is generally neutral, varying the language with alternatives like "following closely" or "observing attentively" will enrich your writing. It's crucial to ensure clarity and avoid overuse. The phrase is versatile and contributes effectively when conveying vigilance and meticulous attention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

following closely

Highlights the continuous and sequential aspect of the observation.

paying close attention

Focuses on the mental effort and focus applied to the observation.

observing attentively

Emphasizes the act of noticing details with focused attention.

monitoring diligently

Highlights the active and consistent nature of the observation.

keeping a sharp eye on

Suggests vigilance and alertness in the observation.

keeping a close watch

Implies a protective or supervisory stance in the observation.

scrutinizing carefully

Suggests a detailed and critical examination during the observation.

supervising attentively

Highlights oversight and guidance during the observation.

tracking meticulously

Emphasizes precise and thorough record-keeping during the observation.

examining thoroughly

Emphasizes the depth and completeness of the inspection.

FAQs

How can I use "watching very closely" in a sentence?

You can use "watching very closely" to describe the act of observing something or someone with focused attention. For example, "The scientists are watching the experiment very closely to identify any anomalies."

What are some alternatives to "watching very closely"?

Alternatives include "following closely", "observing attentively", or "monitoring diligently", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "watching closely" and "watching very closely"?

Yes, "watching very closely" intensifies the degree of attention being paid compared to simply "watching closely". The addition of "very" emphasizes a heightened level of vigilance.

When is it appropriate to use "watching very closely" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight the importance of careful observation or when the situation demands heightened attentiveness. For example, "The regulatory agencies are watching the company's actions very closely after the recent allegations."