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B1 adverb #39 am häufigsten 15 Min. Lesezeit

closely

Top 39

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At the A1 level, you might not use the word 'closely' very often. Instead, you probably use the word 'near' or 'close' to talk about things that are not far away. For example, you might say 'The cat is close to the chair.' At this stage, 'closely' is a bit more difficult because it is an adverb. However, you can start to understand it when someone says 'Listen closely.' This means 'Listen very well' or 'Listen with your ears and your mind.' It is like when a teacher wants you to pay attention. You don't need to worry about all the different meanings yet. Just think of it as a way to say 'with a lot of attention' or 'very near.' If you see 'closely' in a book, look at the verb next to it. If the verb is 'watch' or 'look,' it means you should pay attention. If the verb is about two things being together, it means they are near each other. It is a helpful word to know as you start to describe how people do things, not just what they do. Practice by saying 'Look closely at the picture.' This is a great way to start using the word in a simple way. Remember, 'close' is for the place, and 'closely' is often for the action. Keep it simple and focus on those two ideas: being near and paying attention.

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As an A2 learner, you are starting to use more adverbs to describe actions. 'Closely' is a great word to add to your vocabulary because it helps you be more specific. You might already know 'carefully,' and 'closely' is very similar. When you do something 'closely,' you are doing it with a lot of focus. For example, 'The student followed the teacher closely.' This means the student stayed near the teacher and also watched what the teacher was doing. You can also use it to talk about how things look. 'These two colors are closely matched' means they look almost the same. At this level, you should try to use 'closely' with verbs like 'watch,' 'listen,' and 'follow.' These are common actions where attention is important. You might also hear it in simple instructions, like 'Read the text closely and answer the questions.' This tells you that you need to find the small details, not just the big ideas. It is a step up from just 'reading.' Another way to use it is for physical distance, like 'The houses are built closely together.' This describes a crowded area. By using 'closely,' you are showing that you understand the quality of an action. It makes your English sound more natural and less like a list of simple facts. Try to notice when people use 'closely' in movies or stories. You will see it used a lot when someone is trying to solve a mystery or learn a new skill.

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At the B1 level, 'closely' becomes a very important word for expressing nuance. You are now expected to describe not just the action, but the intensity and relationship behind it. 'Closely' is frequently used in professional and academic contexts. For example, you might say, 'We are working closely with our partners in France.' This doesn't just mean you are working with them; it means you are in constant contact and sharing many details. It implies a strong relationship. You also use 'closely' to describe detailed observation. 'The scientist monitored the results closely' suggests a high level of professional care. At this stage, you should also be aware of common collocations like 'closely related,' 'closely linked,' and 'closely guarded.' These phrases help you describe how ideas or things are connected. For instance, 'The two problems are closely linked' means one problem causes or affects the other. You should also be careful not to confuse 'closely' with 'close.' Remember that 'closely' is an adverb of manner or degree. You use it to modify verbs and adjectives. 'He lives close to me' (physical distance) vs. 'He watched me closely' (manner of watching). Mastering this distinction is a key part of reaching the B1 level. You can also use 'closely' to describe similarities, such as 'The movie closely follows the book.' This shows you can compare two things in detail. Using 'closely' effectively will make your descriptions more precise and your arguments more convincing.

For B2 learners, 'closely' is a tool for precision and sophistication. You should be able to use it in a variety of contexts, from describing intricate scientific processes to complex social relationships. At this level, you understand that 'closely' often implies a lack of gaps—whether physical, temporal, or logical. For example, 'The events followed each other closely' describes a rapid sequence. In a business context, you might talk about a 'closely held company,' which is a specific term for a business with few shareholders. You are also expected to use 'closely' to qualify your statements. Instead of saying two things are the same, you might say they 'resemble each other closely,' which is more accurate and professional. You should also be comfortable using 'closely' with past participles to create compound adjectives, like 'a closely-knit community' or 'a closely-guarded secret.' These expressions add color and depth to your writing. Furthermore, you can use 'closely' in more abstract ways, such as 'closely examining the implications of a policy.' This shows you are thinking critically and looking beyond the surface. You should also be aware of the stylistic difference between 'closely' and other adverbs like 'meticulously' or 'intently.' While 'closely' is very common, using these alternatives can sometimes provide even more precision. At B2, your goal is to use 'closely' naturally in both speech and writing, ensuring it fits the register and the specific nuance of the situation. It is a word that signals a high level of engagement with the subject matter.

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At the C1 level, you use 'closely' with a high degree of stylistic control. You understand its role in creating cohesion and emphasis within a text. You might use it to describe the subtle interplay between variables in a complex system: 'The rate of inflation is closely correlated with consumer spending.' Here, 'closely' is not just a descriptive word; it is a functional part of a technical argument. You also recognize the idiomatic and metaphorical uses of the word. For instance, 'to hold something closely to one's chest' means to be very secretive or protective. You can use 'closely' to describe the texture of a narrative or the structure of an argument: 'The author's argument is closely reasoned, leaving little room for dissent.' This level of analysis shows that you are not just using the word for its basic meaning, but for its ability to characterize the quality of thought and expression. You should also be adept at using 'closely' in negative or comparative constructions to refine your points: 'While the two theories are not closely aligned, they do share some fundamental assumptions.' This allows for a more nuanced and balanced perspective. In C1 writing, 'closely' often appears in the introductory or concluding sections of an essay to summarize the relationship between key concepts. It is a word that helps you build a logical and persuasive case. Your use of 'closely' should feel effortless and integrated into a wide range of vocabulary, demonstrating a deep understanding of English collocations and register.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'closely' is complete, and you use it to convey the finest shades of meaning. You are aware of its historical development and its place within the broader landscape of English adverbs. You might use 'closely' in highly specialized contexts, such as describing the 'closely-spaced' lines of a spectroscopic analysis or the 'closely-woven' fabric of a historical period's social mores. Your use of the word is characterized by its perfect placement and its ability to enhance the rhythm and tone of your prose. You might employ 'closely' to create a sense of intimacy or claustrophobia in creative writing: 'The walls of the narrow alleyway pressed in closely, echoing his frantic footsteps.' In academic discourse, you use 'closely' to signal a rigorous and exhaustive approach: 'By closely interrogating the primary sources, we can uncover the hidden biases of the era.' You also understand the subtle rhetorical effects of 'closely.' For example, using it in a series of parallel structures can create a sense of mounting intensity or meticulousness. You are also able to play with the word's different meanings—physical, attentive, and relational—to create double meanings or irony. At this level, 'closely' is no longer just a vocabulary word; it is a versatile instrument in your linguistic repertoire, used with precision, elegance, and a deep sense of the language's possibilities. You can distinguish between 'closely' and its most obscure synonyms, choosing the exact word that fits the context and the desired emotional or intellectual impact.

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Closely is an adverb used to describe physical proximity, meaning things are very near each other in space or time without much gap.
It also describes the quality of attention, indicating that an action like watching or listening is being done with great care and focus.
The word is frequently used to describe strong relationships, such as two people working together or two ideas being logically connected.
In comparisons, it shows that two things are very similar, often used with verbs like 'resemble', 'match', or 'follow' to show accuracy.

The adverb closely is a versatile tool in the English language, primarily functioning to describe the degree of proximity or the intensity of attention applied to an action. At its most basic level, it refers to physical distance, indicating that two objects or people are situated near one another. However, its most frequent and nuanced applications occur in the realm of observation, analysis, and relationship. When you watch something closely, you are not just looking; you are scrutinizing, searching for details that might be missed by a casual observer. This distinction is vital for learners to grasp because it elevates their descriptions from simple actions to qualitative assessments of effort and focus.

Physical Proximity: Used to describe things that are near each other in space. For example, 'The houses were built closely together to maximize the use of the small plot of land.'

The detective examined the fingerprints closely to find any hidden patterns.

In professional environments, 'closely' often describes collaborative efforts. When two departments work closely, they are in constant communication, sharing resources and aligning their goals. This implies a level of intimacy and integration that goes beyond mere cooperation. It suggests a bond where the actions of one party are immediately relevant to and influenced by the other. Furthermore, in the context of similarity, we say two things 'resemble each other closely.' This means the likeness is striking and detailed, rather than just a passing resemblance. It is this depth of meaning—ranging from physical space to intellectual rigor—that makes 'closely' an essential part of the B1 vocabulary and beyond.

Attentive Observation: Describes an action performed with meticulous care. 'The scientist monitored the chemical reaction closely for any signs of instability.'

If you follow the instructions closely, you will achieve the perfect result.

The word also carries a sense of strictness. When someone is 'closely guarded,' it means the security is tight and constant. When a secret is 'closely held,' it is shared with very few people and protected with great care. In these instances, 'closely' acts as an intensifier, emphasizing the lack of gaps—whether those gaps are physical spaces, lapses in attention, or leaks of information. For a language learner, mastering 'closely' means being able to describe not just what is happening, but the precise manner and intensity with which it is happening. It adds a layer of professionalism and accuracy to both spoken and written English, making it a favorite in academic, business, and narrative contexts alike.

The two species are closely related, sharing over ninety percent of their DNA.

Interconnectedness: Indicates a strong logical or biological link. 'The economic success of the region is closely tied to the tourism industry.'

Please watch the screen closely as I demonstrate the software.

Ultimately, 'closely' is about the elimination of distance—whether that distance is spatial, emotional, or intellectual. It bridges the gap between a general action and a specific, high-quality execution. By using this word, you signal to your audience that the details matter, that the connection is significant, and that the observation is thorough. It is a word that demands focus and rewards the listener with clarity. Whether you are describing a race where the runners are 'closely matched' or a student who 'closely follows' a mentor, you are using a word that conveys precision and depth.

Using closely correctly requires an understanding of its placement and the verbs it typically modifies. As an adverb, it most commonly follows the verb it describes, but it can also appear between the auxiliary verb and the main verb in complex tenses. For example, 'She is closely monitoring the situation.' In this sentence, 'closely' provides immediate context to the action of monitoring, suggesting a high level of vigilance. It is rarely placed at the beginning of a sentence, as its primary role is to qualify an action that has already been introduced or is about to be named.

Placement with Verbs: Usually follows the verb or comes after the object. 'Look at the map closely' or 'Monitor the patient closely.'

The results of the study were closely analyzed by the research team.

When using 'closely' to describe relationships or similarities, it often precedes an adjective or a past participle. Phrases like 'closely related,' 'closely linked,' or 'closely aligned' are standard collocations. Here, the adverb modifies the state of being, indicating that the connection is not loose or peripheral but central and significant. For instance, 'The two languages are closely related' tells the listener that the languages share a common ancestor and many structural similarities. This usage is particularly common in academic and scientific writing where precision regarding relationships is paramount.

Comparison and Resemblance: Used with verbs like 'resemble' or 'match'. 'The counterfeit bill resembled the original very closely.'

We must work closely with our partners to ensure the project's success.

In imperative sentences (commands), 'closely' is used to emphasize the need for care. 'Watch closely,' 'Listen closely,' and 'Follow closely' are common instructions in classrooms, workshops, and tutorials. It serves as a warning that the information being presented is complex or subtle. If the student does not pay close attention, they will likely fail to understand the core concept. This usage is direct and functional, making it one of the first ways learners encounter the word in real-world scenarios. It transforms a simple verb into a directive for high-level engagement.

The security guard followed the suspicious individual closely through the mall.

Intensifying Adjectives: Often used before adjectives like 'guarded' or 'knit'. 'The village is a closely knit community where everyone knows each other.'

The suspect's movements were closely watched by the police.

Finally, consider the use of 'closely' in negative constructions. 'The two events are not closely related' is a common way to debunk a perceived connection. It suggests that while there might be a superficial link, a deeper analysis reveals they are independent. This ability to qualify the strength of a connection makes 'closely' a powerful tool for critical thinking and debate. Whether you are affirming a bond or denying a correlation, 'closely' provides the necessary precision to make your argument convincing and clear.

In everyday life, closely is a staple of news broadcasts, scientific reports, and professional meetings. When a news anchor says, 'We are following this story closely,' they are assuring the audience that the network is dedicated to providing the latest updates and that the situation is of high importance. This phrase is so common it has become a journalistic cliché, yet it effectively communicates a sense of urgency and commitment. You will also hear it in weather reports, where meteorologists might say they are 'monitoring a storm system closely' to warn the public of potential danger. In these contexts, 'closely' acts as a verbal badge of responsibility.

In the Workplace: Managers often tell employees, 'I'll be working closely with you on this project,' which implies mentorship and frequent check-ins.

The CEO is closely involved in the day-to-day operations of the company.

In the world of sports, commentators use 'closely' to describe the intensity of a competition. A 'closely contested match' is one where the scores are near each other and the momentum shifts frequently. When a defender is 'marking an opponent closely,' it means they are staying within inches of them to prevent them from receiving the ball. This usage highlights the physical aspect of the word, emphasizing the lack of space between competitors. It conveys the pressure and the high stakes of the game, where a single inch can determine the outcome. Fans and athletes alike understand that 'closely' in sports means there is no room for error.

In Science and Research: Researchers 'examine data closely' to find statistical significance. It is the hallmark of the scientific method.

The doctor examined the X-ray closely before making a diagnosis.

In the arts, critics and historians use 'closely' to describe the relationship between different works or movements. One might say that a modern film 'closely follows the plot of a classic novel,' indicating a faithful adaptation. Or, an art historian might note that a painter's style 'resembles the work of the Old Masters closely.' Here, 'closely' serves to validate the connection and the influence of one artist on another. It is a word of comparison that requires the speaker to have a deep knowledge of the subjects being discussed. To use 'closely' in this way is to make a claim about the lineage and heritage of a piece of work.

The movie closely follows the events described in the biography.

In Legal and Formal Contexts: Contracts are 'closely scrutinized' by lawyers to ensure there are no loopholes or unfavorable terms.

The lawyer advised his client to read the contract closely before signing.

Finally, 'closely' is heard in the context of social bonds. A 'closely knit family' or a 'closely knit community' describes a group of people who are deeply connected, supportive, and involved in each other's lives. This metaphorical use of 'closely'—as if the people are threads in a fabric woven tight—is one of the most evocative ways the word is used. It suggests strength, warmth, and a lack of isolation. When you hear 'closely' in this context, it is a compliment to the resilience and intimacy of the group. It is a word that describes the very best of human connection.

One of the most frequent errors learners make is the confusion between the adjective close and the adverb closely. While both relate to proximity, they are not always interchangeable. For example, in the sentence 'He sat close to the fire,' 'close' is used as an adverb of place. However, if you say 'He watched the fire closely,' you are describing the manner of his watching. A common mistake is saying 'He watched the fire close.' This sounds informal at best and ungrammatical at worst in a formal setting. Understanding that 'closely' usually refers to attention or relationship, while 'close' often refers to physical distance, is key.

The 'Close' vs. 'Closely' Trap: Mistake: 'The two brothers are very closely.' Correct: 'The two brothers are very close.' (Adjective use). Mistake: 'Listen close.' Correct: 'Listen closely.' (Adverb use).

Incorrect: We are working close with the marketing team. Correct: We are working closely with the marketing team.

Another mistake involves the placement of 'closely' in a sentence. Because it is an adverb of manner, it should ideally be placed after the verb or after the object. Placing it between the subject and the verb can sometimes feel awkward. For instance, 'He closely watched the bird' is acceptable, but 'He the bird closely watched' is incorrect. Furthermore, learners often over-use 'closely' when other adverbs like 'carefully,' 'intently,' or 'meticulously' might be more precise. While 'closely' is a great all-rounder, relying on it too much can make your writing feel repetitive. It's important to recognize the specific nuance 'closely' brings—that of proximity and lack of gaps.

Misuse in Relationships: Avoid saying 'I am closely with my mother.' Instead, use 'I am close to my mother' or 'I work closely with my mother.'

Incorrect: The two colors match close. Correct: The two colors match closely.

There is also a subtle error in using 'closely' with verbs that already imply proximity. For example, 'He approached closely' is somewhat redundant because 'approach' already means to come near. While not strictly wrong, it can be more effective to say 'He approached cautiously' or simply 'He came closer.' Redundancy is a common pitfall for B1 learners who are trying to be as descriptive as possible. The goal is to use 'closely' where it adds new information about the intensity or the detail of the action, rather than just repeating what the verb already suggests.

Incorrect: The cars were parked closely to each other. Correct: The cars were parked close to each other.

Over-intensification: Sometimes learners use 'very closely' when 'closely' is enough. 'Closely' already implies a high degree of attention.

The police are closely monitoring the protest to prevent violence.

Lastly, be careful with 'closely' in the context of time. While we can say an event is 'close' (meaning it will happen soon), we do not say an event is 'closely.' We might say 'The two events followed each other closely,' which refers to the sequence and the small gap between them, but we wouldn't say 'The deadline is closely.' This distinction between space/manner and time is a frequent source of confusion. By paying attention to these common errors, you can ensure that your use of 'closely' is always precise, natural, and grammatically sound.

To truly master closely, it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and understand the subtle differences in their meanings. While 'closely' is a versatile adverb, words like 'carefully,' 'intently,' and 'thoroughly' offer more specific nuances. 'Carefully' emphasizes the avoidance of mistakes or harm. If you 'examine something carefully,' you are being cautious. If you 'examine something closely,' you are focusing on the details and the proximity. The two often overlap, but the motivation is different: one is about safety/accuracy, the other is about depth of observation.

Closely vs. Carefully: 'Closely' focuses on the lack of distance or detail. 'Carefully' focuses on the effort to avoid errors. You can watch a movie closely without being careful.

He listened intently to the instructions, making sure he didn't miss a single word.

'Intently' is another strong alternative, specifically used for listening or watching. It suggests a high level of concentration and purpose. While you can 'work closely' with someone, you wouldn't usually 'work intently' with them in the same sense. 'Intently' is more about the internal state of the observer. On the other hand, 'thoroughly' means 'completely' or 'in every detail.' If you 'read a book thoroughly,' you've read every page. If you 'read a book closely,' you've analyzed the text for deeper meaning and connections. 'Thoroughly' is about the scope; 'closely' is about the focus.

Closely vs. Intimately: 'Closely' is often used for professional or logical links. 'Intimately' is used for personal, private, or very deep emotional connections.

The two projects are intertwined, meaning the success of one depends on the other.

In the context of relationships, 'closely' can be replaced by 'intimately' or 'tightly.' A 'closely knit' community can also be described as 'tight-knit.' 'Intimately' suggests a level of personal knowledge and privacy that 'closely' doesn't always reach. For example, you might 'know a subject closely' (meaning you have studied it a lot), but you 'know a person intimately' (meaning you have a deep personal bond). Choosing the right word depends on whether you want to emphasize the logical connection or the emotional one. 'Closely' is the safer, more neutral choice for most professional and academic situations.

The data was scrutinized by the auditors for any signs of fraud.

Closely vs. Strictly: 'Strictly' is used when following rules or definitions. 'Closely' is used when following a path, a person, or a set of instructions with attention.

The suspect was tightly monitored by the undercover agents.

Finally, consider 'nearly' and 'almost.' While they sound similar to 'closely,' they have completely different meanings. 'Nearly' means 'almost' or 'not quite.' If you 'nearly won,' you lost. If you 'won closely' (though this is rare; we usually say it was a 'close win'), it means you won by a small margin. This is a common point of confusion for beginners. By understanding these alternatives, you can avoid repetitive language and select the word that perfectly captures the intensity, proximity, or care you wish to describe.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The root 'claudere' is also the ancestor of words like 'clause', 'exclude', and 'claustrophobia'. All these words share the core idea of shutting or being shut.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ˈkləʊs.li/

US /ˈkloʊs.li/

The stress is on the first syllable: CLOSE-ly.

Reimt sich auf

mostly ghostly grossly comely (partial) slowly (partial) holy (partial) solely (partial) lowly (partial)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing the 's' as a 'z' (like in 'closes'). It should be a soft 's'.
Dropping the 'ly' and just saying 'close' when an adverb is needed.
Mispunctuating the word as 'close-ly' with a hyphen.
Confusing the vowel sound with 'claws'.
Failing to emphasize the first syllable.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Easy to recognize in context as it often follows common verbs.

Schreiben 3/5

Requires knowledge of proper placement and collocations.

Sprechen 3/5

Common in instructions and descriptions, but 'close' is often used incorrectly instead.

Hören 2/5

Clear pronunciation and usually emphasized in speech.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

close near watch listen with

Als Nächstes lernen

carefully intently thoroughly meticulously scrutinize

Fortgeschritten

intimately proximally contingently intertwined correlated

Wichtige Grammatik

Adverb Placement

He watched the bird closely. (Adverb after the object)

Adverb vs. Adjective

He is a close friend. (Adjective) vs. He followed me closely. (Adverb)

Compound Adjectives with Hyphens

They are a closely-knit group. (Hyphenated when before a noun)

Passive Voice with Adverbs

The situation is being closely monitored. (Adverb between auxiliary and participle)

Comparative Adverbs

You need to look more closely to see the crack. (Using 'more')

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Beispiele nach Niveau

Look closely at this small flower.

Regardez de près cette petite fleur.

Adverb modifying the verb 'look'.

Listen closely to the music.

Écoutez attentivement la musique.

Adverb modifying the verb 'listen'.

The two friends walk closely together.

Les deux amis marchent tout près l'un de l'autre.

Adverb of physical proximity.

Watch me closely and do the same.

Regardez-moi bien et faites la même chose.

Imperative use with 'watch'.

The houses are built closely.

Les maisons sont construites de manière serrée.

Adverb modifying the participle 'built'.

Please follow me closely.

S'il vous plaît, suivez-moi de près.

Adverb modifying 'follow'.

The dog sat closely by its owner.

Le chien s'est assis tout près de son maître.

Adverb indicating physical closeness.

Read the words closely.

Lisez les mots attentivement.

Adverb modifying 'read'.

The two brothers resemble each other closely.

Les deux frères se ressemblent beaucoup.

Used with 'resemble' to show similarity.

She monitored the soup closely so it wouldn't burn.

Elle a surveillé la soupe de près pour qu'elle ne brûle pas.

Adverb indicating attention to a process.

The police are watching the house closely.

La police surveille la maison de près.

Present continuous with 'watching'.

The two events are closely related.

Les deux événements sont étroitement liés.

Common collocation 'closely related'.

He followed the instructions closely to build the toy.

Il a suivi les instructions à la lettre pour construire le jouet.

Adverb modifying 'followed'.

The team worked closely together to finish the project.

L'équipe a travaillé en étroite collaboration pour terminer le projet.

Adverb describing collaboration.

Check the document closely for any mistakes.

Vérifiez attentivement le document pour toute erreur.

Imperative use for checking/scrutiny.

The runners were closely matched in the race.

Les coureurs étaient au coude à coude dans la course.

Adverb describing equality in competition.

The company works closely with local charities.

L'entreprise travaille en étroite collaboration avec des associations caritatives locales.

Describes a professional partnership.

The suspect's movements were closely monitored by the authorities.

Les mouvements du suspect étaient étroitement surveillés par les autorités.

Passive voice with 'closely monitored'.

The film closely follows the plot of the original novel.

Le film suit fidèlement l'intrigue du roman original.

Describes a faithful adaptation.

The two species are closely related in the evolutionary tree.

Les deux espèces sont étroitement apparentées dans l'arbre de l'évolution.

Scientific context for 'related'.

You need to listen closely to understand the subtle differences.

Vous devez écouter attentivement pour comprendre les subtiles différences.

Used with 'listen' for subtle details.

The economic crisis is closely linked to the rise in oil prices.

La crise économique est étroitement liée à la hausse des prix du pétrole.

Describes a causal or logical link.

The village is a closely knit community.

Le village est une communauté très soudée.

Compound adjective 'closely knit'.

The results of the experiment must be closely analyzed.

Les résultats de l'expérience doivent être analysés de près.

Modal verb 'must be' with passive participle.

The government is closely scrutinizing the new trade agreement.

Le gouvernement examine de près le nouvel accord commercial.

Formal verb 'scrutinizing' modified by 'closely'.

The two candidates are closely matched in the latest polls.

Les deux candidats sont au coude à coude dans les derniers sondages.

Political context for competition.

The secret was closely guarded by the inner circle.

Le secret était jalousement gardé par le cercle restreint.

Metaphorical use for secrecy.

The project's success is closely tied to the availability of funding.

Le succès du projet est étroitement lié à la disponibilité des financements.

Abstract link between success and resources.

The detective examined the crime scene closely for any overlooked evidence.

Le détective a examiné la scène du crime de près pour tout indice négligé.

Narrative use for detailed investigation.

The new regulations closely resemble the previous ones.

Les nouvelles réglementations ressemblent étroitement aux précédentes.

Formal comparison of rules.

The patient's condition is being closely watched by the medical staff.

L'état du patient est surveillé de près par le personnel médical.

Continuous passive for medical monitoring.

The author's style is closely aligned with the Romantic movement.

Le style de l'auteur est étroitement aligné sur le mouvement romantique.

Literary analysis context.

The study closely examines the correlation between poverty and crime.

L'étude examine de près la corrélation entre la pauvreté et la criminalité.

Academic register for detailed analysis.

The two theories, while different, are closely intertwined.

Les deux théories, bien que différentes, sont étroitement entrelacées.

Describes complex conceptual integration.

The company's future is closely bound up with the fate of the industry.

L'avenir de l'entreprise est étroitement lié au sort de l'industrie.

Idiomatic use of 'bound up with'.

The witness's testimony closely matched the video evidence.

Le témoignage du témoin correspondait étroitement aux preuves vidéo.

Legal context for verification.

The artist worked closely from nature to capture every detail.

L'artiste a travaillé d'après nature pour capturer chaque détail.

Describes the source of artistic inspiration.

The policy was closely modeled on successful examples from abroad.

La politique a été étroitement calquée sur des exemples de réussite à l'étranger.

Describes the origin of a strategy.

The movements of the tectonic plates are closely monitored by seismologists.

Les mouvements des plaques tectoniques sont étroitement surveillés par les sismologues.

Scientific monitoring of natural phenomena.

The nuances of the language can only be understood by listening closely.

Les nuances de la langue ne peuvent être comprises qu'en écoutant attentivement.

Gerund phrase 'by listening closely'.

The text's meaning is closely contingent upon its historical context.

Le sens du texte dépend étroitement de son contexte historique.

Sophisticated use of 'contingent upon'.

The intricate details of the clockwork were closely integrated.

Les détails complexes de l'horlogerie étaient étroitement intégrés.

Describes mechanical precision.

The narrative closely mirrors the author's own descent into madness.

Le récit reflète étroitement la propre descente de l'auteur dans la folie.

Literary use of 'mirrors' as a verb.

The two phenomena are closely coupled in a feedback loop.

Les deux phénomènes sont étroitement couplés dans une boucle de rétroaction.

Technical term 'coupled' in systems theory.

The investigation was closely circumscribed by legal restrictions.

L'enquête était étroitement délimitée par des restrictions légales.

Formal use of 'circumscribed'.

The poem's structure is closely wedded to its emotional arc.

La structure du poème est étroitement liée à son arc émotionnel.

Metaphorical use of 'wedded to'.

The suspect was closely shadowed by the intelligence services.

Le suspect était étroitement filé par les services de renseignement.

Espionage context for 'shadowed'.

The success of the mission was closely dependent on the timing of the launch.

Le succès de la mission dépendait étroitement du moment du lancement.

Describes critical dependency.

Häufige Kollokationen

work closely

closely related

monitor closely

watch closely

closely linked

follow closely

resemble closely

closely guarded

closely knit

examine closely

Häufige Phrasen

look closely

— To observe something with great attention to detail. Often used as a command.

If you look closely, you can see the artist's signature.

listen closely

— To pay full attention to what is being said or heard. Used to ensure understanding.

Listen closely to the instructions before you start.

follow closely

— To stay near someone or something, or to pay attention to a sequence of events.

The police followed the suspect closely through the city.

work closely with

— To collaborate intensely with another person or group on a specific task.

I will be working closely with you on the marketing campaign.

closely related to

— Having a strong connection or similarity to something else, often biological or logical.

This issue is closely related to the one we discussed yesterday.

closely linked to

— Being connected in a way that one thing affects or is caused by the other.

Success in school is closely linked to parental support.

closely guarded secret

— A piece of information that is kept very private and protected by a few people.

The new product design is a closely guarded secret.

closely knit community

— A group of people who are very supportive and involved in each other's lives.

Living in a closely knit community makes you feel safe.

closely resemble

— To look or be very similar to something or someone else.

The counterfeit painting closely resembles the original.

monitor the situation closely

— To watch a developing event with constant attention to provide updates or take action.

The government is monitoring the situation closely after the earthquake.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

closely vs close

As an adverb, 'close' usually refers to physical distance (e.g., 'Stand close to me'). 'Closely' refers to attention or relationship (e.g., 'Watch closely').

closely vs nearly

Means 'almost'. 'I nearly fell' means I didn't fall. 'I followed closely' means I was right behind.

closely vs closeted

An adjective meaning hidden or secret, usually regarding identity. Unrelated to the adverbial use of 'closely'.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"hold one's cards close(ly) to one's chest"

— To be very secretive about one's plans or intentions. While 'close' is more common, 'closely' is sometimes used.

The negotiator is holding his cards closely to his chest.

informal/business

"keep a close(ly) watch on"

— To monitor someone or something very carefully over a period of time.

We need to keep a closely watched eye on the budget.

neutral

"closely following in someone's footsteps"

— To do the same things that someone else (usually a parent or mentor) did before you.

She is closely following in her father's footsteps by becoming a doctor.

neutral

"closely aligned with"

— To have the same goals, beliefs, or values as another person or group.

Our company's values are closely aligned with environmental protection.

formal

"closely matched"

— Being very similar in skill, strength, or quality, especially in a competition.

The two teams were closely matched, and the game ended in a draw.

neutral

"closely bound up with"

— Being so connected to something that the two cannot be easily separated.

His identity is closely bound up with his work.

formal

"closely contested"

— A competition where the participants are very equal and the result is uncertain until the end.

It was a closely contested election with no clear winner for hours.

neutral

"closely scrutinized"

— Being examined with extreme care and detail, often by an authority.

Every expense was closely scrutinized by the tax office.

formal

"closely associated with"

— Being frequently thought of in connection with a particular person, place, or idea.

The color green is closely associated with nature.

neutral

"closely following the heels of"

— Happening immediately after something else.

The recession came closely following the heels of the housing boom.

literary

Leicht verwechselbar

closely vs close

Both can be adverbs and relate to proximity.

'Close' is used for physical distance with 'to' (e.g., close to the door). 'Closely' is used for the manner of an action (e.g., watch closely).

He sat close to her, watching her closely.

closely vs carefully

Both involve paying attention.

'Carefully' is about avoiding mistakes. 'Closely' is about seeing details or being near.

He read the contract carefully to find errors, looking closely at the small print.

closely vs intently

Both describe focused observation.

'Intently' is more about the internal state of concentration. 'Closely' is more about the detail of the object being watched.

She listened intently to the quiet music, following the melody closely.

closely vs thoroughly

Both imply a detailed process.

'Thoroughly' means doing every part of a task. 'Closely' means focusing on the details or connections.

He cleaned the room thoroughly and then inspected the corners closely.

closely vs nearly

Similar spelling and sound.

'Nearly' means 'almost'. 'Closely' means 'with attention' or 'near'.

I nearly missed the bus because I wasn't watching the time closely.

Satzmuster

Look closely at [noun].

Look closely at the map.

[Subject] followed the [noun] closely.

The dog followed the ball closely.

[Subject] is closely related to [noun].

This problem is closely related to poverty.

[Subject] worked closely with [person].

I worked closely with my manager.

[Subject] is being closely monitored by [agent].

The patient is being closely monitored by the doctor.

The [noun] closely resembles the [noun].

The copy closely resembles the original.

[Subject] closely examines the [abstract noun].

The essay closely examines the themes of love and loss.

[Subject] is closely contingent upon [noun].

Our success is closely contingent upon your cooperation.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

closeness (the state of being near or intimate)

Verben

close (to shut something or to come near)

Adjektive

close (near in space, time, or relationship)

Verwandt

enclosure

closure

closet

disclose

enclose

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Common in both spoken and written English, especially in news, science, and business.

Häufige Fehler

He lives closely to the school. → He lives close to the school.
Use 'close' as an adjective or adverb of place with 'to'. 'Closely' is for manner or degree.
The two brothers are closely. → The two brothers are close.
'Closely' is an adverb and cannot be used as a predicate adjective after the verb 'to be' to describe a state.
Listen close to me. → Listen closely to me.
While 'close' is common in informal speech, 'closely' is the correct adverbial form for manner.
It was a close-ly guarded secret. → It was a closely guarded secret.
Do not put a hyphen between an adverb ending in '-ly' and the adjective it modifies.
They nearly resemble each other. → They closely resemble each other.
'Nearly' means 'almost'. 'Closely' means 'to a high degree of similarity'.

Tipps

Adverb Placement

Place 'closely' after the verb or the object for the most natural sound. 'He watched the bird closely' is perfect.

Use with 'Related'

Always use 'closely' with 'related' or 'linked' to describe strong connections. It's a very common and professional collocation.

Avoid Redundancy

Don't use 'closely' with verbs that already mean 'near,' like 'approach,' unless you are adding a specific nuance of attention.

Emphasis

In speech, emphasize 'closely' to show that the details are very important. It helps the listener focus.

Context Clues

If you hear 'closely,' look for a verb of observation (watch, listen) or a verb of relationship (work, link).

Compound Adjectives

When using 'closely' with a participle before a noun, use a hyphen: 'a closely-guarded secret.'

Scrutiny

When you see 'closely' in a text, it often means the author is about to provide a very detailed analysis.

Teamwork

Use 'work closely with' in your resume or interviews to demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively.

Precision

In scientific writing, use 'closely' to describe correlations that are statistically significant.

The 'S' Sound

Remember the soft 's' sound. It distinguishes 'closely' from the verb 'closes' (which has a 'z' sound).

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of a 'CLOSET'. A closet is a small space where things are packed 'CLOSELY' together. To find something in a dark closet, you must look 'CLOSELY'.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a magnifying glass held over a tiny insect. The magnifying glass allows you to see the insect 'closely'.

Word Web

Attention Proximity Detail Relationship Similarity Monitoring Collaboration Scrutiny

Herausforderung

Write three sentences: one about physical distance, one about watching something, and one about a relationship, all using the word 'closely'.

Wortherkunft

The word 'closely' comes from the adjective 'close', which entered Middle English from the Old French word 'clos'. This, in turn, derived from the Latin 'clausus', the past participle of 'claudere', meaning 'to shut' or 'to close'.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The original sense was related to being shut in or confined, which evolved into the idea of being near or having no gaps.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > French > English.

Kultureller Kontext

Be aware that 'closely' can sometimes imply a lack of privacy if used in the context of surveillance or monitoring.

In the UK and US, 'closely' is a standard part of professional communication, especially in project management and reporting.

The phrase 'Watch closely now' is often used by magicians before a trick. In Sherlock Holmes stories, the detective often tells Watson to 'observe closely'. The song 'I Walk the Line' by Johnny Cash implies keeping a 'close' (closely) watch on one's heart.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Scientific Research

monitor the reaction closely
examine the data closely
closely related species
closely linked variables

Business and Collaboration

work closely with the team
closely aligned goals
closely held company
monitor market trends closely

Crime and Investigation

closely follow the suspect
examine the evidence closely
closely guarded secret
watch the perimeter closely

Education and Learning

listen closely to the lecture
follow the instructions closely
read the text closely
watch the demonstration closely

Social Relationships

closely knit family
closely associated with a group
work closely with a mentor
closely resemble a relative

Gesprächseinstiege

"Have you been following the recent news stories closely?"

"Do you work closely with many people in your current job?"

"Is your family closely knit, or do you live far apart?"

"Do you think these two paintings resemble each other closely?"

"How closely do you follow instructions when you are cooking?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Describe a time when you had to watch something closely to understand how it worked.

Write about a person you work closely with and what your relationship is like.

Reflect on a secret you have closely guarded and why it was important to keep it.

Discuss a topic you have studied closely and what you learned from it.

Think about a community you belong to that is closely knit. What makes it special?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

In informal speech, people often say 'Listen close,' but in formal writing and correct grammar, you should use 'Listen closely.' The '-ly' ending is needed because it is an adverb describing how you should listen.

'Close related' is grammatically incorrect. You must use the adverb 'closely' to modify the adjective 'related.' Therefore, 'closely related' is the only correct form.

Yes, 'closely' is always an adverb. It is formed by adding the suffix '-ly' to the adjective 'close.' It cannot be used as a noun or a verb.

Yes, it can describe events that happen one after another with very little time in between. For example, 'The two explosions followed each other closely.' However, you cannot say 'The meeting is closely.'

Use 'closely' when you want to emphasize looking at details or being physically/logically near. Use 'carefully' when you want to emphasize being safe or avoiding mistakes.

Both are used, but 'closely knit' is more formally correct as an adverb-adjective compound. However, 'close-knit' (with a hyphen) is a very common established adjective in its own right.

No, 'closely' does not mean 'almost.' That is the meaning of 'nearly.' For example, 'I nearly won' means I didn't win, but 'I won closely' (though rare) would mean I won by a small amount.

It is very rare and usually sounds unnatural. Adverbs like 'closely' usually follow the verb they modify or come after the object. For example, 'Watch the screen closely' is better than 'Closely watch the screen.'

It implies a high level of collaboration, frequent communication, and shared responsibility. It is more intense than just 'working with' someone.

It is pronounced 'KLOHS-lee.' The 's' is soft, like in 'glass,' not a 'z' sound. The stress is on the first syllable.

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