In 15 Seconds
- Signals thorough, detailed investigation.
- Used in formal, professional settings.
- Means 'to scrutinize deeply'.
- Requires careful, precise analysis.
Meaning
This phrase is what you say when you want to take a deeper dive into something, moving beyond a superficial look. It signals your intent to scrutinize details, understand underlying causes, or uncover hidden nuances, showing you're truly committed to thoroughness. It carries a sense of earnest intellectual curiosity or professional diligence.
Key Examples
3 of 11Team meeting discussing quarterly results
The initial sales report looks good, but we need `to examine this more closely` by market segment.
The initial sales report looks good, but we need to scrutinize this in more detail by market segment.
Email to a colleague about a complex issue
Regarding the integration challenges, I'd like `to examine this more closely` during our sync tomorrow.
Regarding the integration challenges, I'd like to investigate this in more depth during our synchronization meeting tomorrow.
Texting a friend about a tricky puzzle
This crossword clue is driving me nuts. I need `to examine this more closely` later.
This crossword clue is driving me nuts. I need to take a closer look at this later.
Cultural Background
In American business culture, 'examining things more closely' is often associated with 'due diligence.' It is a positive trait that shows you are a careful and responsible professional. British English uses this phrase frequently in academic and legal settings. It is often paired with 'underpinning' or 'fundamental' to sound even more rigorous. In science, this phrase is almost literal. It refers to the process of peer review and replication, where other scientists check your work for any small errors. This is a 'trope' in English-language mystery novels. The detective always finds the clue that everyone else missed by 'examining the scene more closely.'
The Power Transition
Use this phrase at the start of a paragraph in an essay to instantly boost your academic tone.
Don't Overuse It
If you say 'examine more closely' for every single point, you will sound repetitive. Mix it up with 'analyze' or 'take a look at.'
In 15 Seconds
- Signals thorough, detailed investigation.
- Used in formal, professional settings.
- Means 'to scrutinize deeply'.
- Requires careful, precise analysis.
What It Means
Ever found yourself nodding along in a meeting, pretending to grasp every detail, only to realize you actually need a deeper look? That's exactly where to examine this more closely swoops in like a linguistic superhero!
What It Means
At its core, to examine this more closely means you're not just glancing. You're committing to a thorough investigation. Think of it like zooming in on a map – you go from seeing the whole country to pinpointing a single street. It implies a need for precision and detail. When you use this phrase, you're telling someone (or yourself!) that a deeper analysis is required. It's about moving past the surface, digging into the data, or carefully considering every angle. It's the linguistic equivalent of putting on your Sherlock Holmes deerstalker hat and grabbing a magnifying glass.
How To Use It
Using this phrase is straightforward. You typically introduce it when you've discussed something generally but feel there's more to uncover. For instance, after a team brainstorm, you might say, "Okay, great ideas, but we need to examine this more closely before presenting to the client." It acts as a bridge from a broad overview to a focused analysis. You can also use it to suggest a course of action. "That's an interesting point, Sarah. Let's examine this more closely in our next session." It's polite, professional, and clear. Just remember, once you say it, people will expect you to *actually* examine it. No bluffing, or you'll be caught with your linguistic pants down!
Formality & Register
This phrase comfortably sits in the formal to semi-formal register. You'll hear it in boardrooms, academic lectures, legal discussions, or detailed project updates. It's less common in casual chats with friends about your weekend plans, unless your friends are surprisingly analytical about brunch. Using it in a text to your bestie about what to watch on Netflix might sound a bit stiff. Imagine texting: "I'm trying to pick a movie. I need to examine this more closely." Your friend might respond with a puzzled emoji. In professional settings, it signals gravitas and a serious approach. It tells your colleagues you value thoroughness and thoughtful consideration. It's the kind of phrase that makes people think you mean business, even if you're just trying to figure out why the coffee machine is broken.
Real-Life Examples
- Project Meeting: "The initial sales figures are promising, but we need
to examine this more closelyto understand seasonal fluctuations." - Scientific Research: "These preliminary findings suggest a correlation. We must
to examine this more closelythrough further experimentation." - Customer Service: "I understand your frustration with the billing error. Let me
examine this more closelywith our accounts department." - Law Review: "The court's interpretation of the statute warrants us
to examine this more closelyfor potential inconsistencies." - Academic Paper: "While previous studies have touched upon this topic, none have attempted
to examine this more closelyfrom a socio-economic perspective."
When To Use It
Use to examine this more closely when:
- You need more data or information.
- You suspect there are hidden complexities.
- A decision requires careful deliberation.
- You are proposing a deeper analysis in a formal setting.
- You want to signal a diligent approach to a problem.
- You're reviewing something critical, like financial reports or medical diagnoses. It’s perfect when you can’t just shrug and say, “Eh, looks fine!”
When NOT To Use It
Avoid to examine this more closely when:
- You're in a very casual conversation. Your friends don't need a forensic analysis of your pizza toppings.
- The topic is trivial or doesn't require deep analysis. "Should I wear socks or no socks with these sandals? I must
to examine this more closely." – Nobody has time for that! - You've already done a thorough examination and are moving on.
- You want to appear more laid-back or informal. Opt for simpler phrases like
let's look into itorI'll check it outinstead. - You're talking about something immediately obvious. "The sky is blue. I need
to examine this more closely." – Trust your eyes!
Common Mistakes
examine this data more closely."
(The object usually comes between examine and more closely or after the entire phrase.)
examine this more closely."
(The to before examine is part of the infinitive, not a separate preposition. When following let's, you use the bare infinitive.)
to examine this more closely."
(Closely is an adverb modifying examine, not an adjective closer.)
delve deeper, investigate further, scrutinize.
(Repetition can make your writing sound robotic, and nobody wants to be friends with a robot... unless it brings you coffee.)
Common Variations
- Formal Alternatives:
To delve deeper into this,To investigate this further,To scrutinize this aspect,To analyze this in more detail. - Semi-Formal:
To look into this further,To explore this in more depth,To review this more thoroughly. - Informal/Casual:
To take a closer look,To dig into this,To check this out,Let's have a proper look(often British English). - Regional/Generational: In some tech circles, you might hear
to double-click on thisorto unpack this(meaning to explore an idea in detail). It's like the business world's version of slang, but don't try it with your grandma.
Real Conversations
Scenario 1: Project Update
Manager
Team Lead: "Hmm. I think we need to examine this more closely. Was there a specific channel that underperformed?"
Manager
Scenario 2: Academic Discussion
Student 1: "I read a paper suggesting ancient civilizations had advanced astronomical knowledge."
Student 2: "Fascinating! We should examine this more closely in our history seminar. What sources did they cite?"
Scenario 3: Feedback Session
Colleague A: "Your proposal is strong, but the budget projections seem a bit optimistic."
Colleague B: "You're right. I'll examine this more closely with the finance team and get back to you."
Scenario 4: Tech Support Chat
Customer
Support
examine this more closely. Can you tell me what lights are on your modem?"Quick FAQ
Q. Is this phrase always formal?
A. Mostly, yes! It implies a level of seriousness and thoroughness that aligns with formal or professional communication. While not strictly forbidden in casual talk, it can sound a bit out of place, like wearing a tuxedo to a beach party.
Q. Can I use more closer instead of more closely?
A. Absolutely not! Closely is the adverb form, correctly modifying the verb examine. Closer is typically an adjective or comparative adverb that works in different contexts, like "Come closer!" but not with examine.
Q. What's the difference between examine and look?
A. Examine implies a much more detailed, systematic, and often critical inspection. Look can be a quick glance or a general observation. Think of it this way: you look at a menu, but you examine the nutritional information on the back. One is passive, the other active.
Q. Is it okay to say examine closely without more?
A. Yes, it is! Examine closely still conveys the idea of a detailed inspection. Adding more just emphasizes the *degree* of closeness, suggesting you need an even deeper look than you might already be giving. It's like going from 'close' to 'super close'!
Q. Can I use this phrase to talk about people?
A. You can, but be careful! Saying "I need to examine this person more closely" can sound a bit creepy or overly critical, like you're performing a psychological evaluation. It's usually better for abstract concepts, data, or objects. Unless you're a detective, maybe stick to examining documents.
Q. What if I've already examined something, but need another look?
A. In that case, you might say re-examine this more closely or take another close look. The re- prefix or another clarifies that it's a second pass at the same thing. Because sometimes, you miss things the first time, and that's okay!
Usage Notes
This phrase is a workhorse in professional and academic settings, signaling your commitment to thorough analysis. Its formality ensures clarity and respect for the complexity of the subject matter. Just avoid using it in casual chats, or you'll sound like you're writing a report on your friend's snack choice – unless that's your superpower!
The Power Transition
Use this phrase at the start of a paragraph in an essay to instantly boost your academic tone.
Don't Overuse It
If you say 'examine more closely' for every single point, you will sound repetitive. Mix it up with 'analyze' or 'take a look at.'
Polite Critique
In a meeting, saying 'I'd like to examine that point more closely' is a polite way to say 'I think there is a problem with what you just said.'
Examples
11The initial sales report looks good, but we need `to examine this more closely` by market segment.
The initial sales report looks good, but we need to scrutinize this in more detail by market segment.
Used to request a deeper, more granular analysis of data in a professional context.
Regarding the integration challenges, I'd like `to examine this more closely` during our sync tomorrow.
Regarding the integration challenges, I'd like to investigate this in more depth during our synchronization meeting tomorrow.
Indicates a plan for detailed discussion and problem-solving.
This crossword clue is driving me nuts. I need `to examine this more closely` later.
This crossword clue is driving me nuts. I need to take a closer look at this later.
A less common, slightly humorous use in an informal context, implying concentration.
The new policy seems beneficial on paper, but we need `to examine this more closely` for unintended consequences.
The new policy seems beneficial on paper, but we need to investigate this further for unintended consequences.
Used to suggest a critical review of a proposal's potential negative effects.
Your experience is impressive. We will `examine this more closely` during our internal deliberations.
Your experience is impressive. We will review this more thoroughly during our internal discussions.
A formal way to indicate that the candidate's qualifications will be scrutinized.
The initial scans are inconclusive. We'll need `to examine this more closely` with further tests.
The initial scans are inconclusive. We'll need to investigate this further with additional tests.
Used in a serious context to indicate the necessity of further diagnostic steps.
This new TikTok dance trend is exploding. I need `to examine this more closely` to understand its virality.
This new TikTok dance trend is exploding. I need to take a closer look at this to understand its virality.
A modern, slightly informal usage, indicating an analytical approach to a trending topic.
✗ I want to examine more closely what you think about this movie. → ✓ I want `to hear more about` what you think about this movie.
✗ I want to examine more closely what you think about this movie. → ✓ I want to hear more about what you think about this movie.
`Examine more closely` is too formal and analytical for a casual opinion. `Hear more about` is more natural.
✗ Let's to examine this more closely. → ✓ Let's `examine this more closely`.
✗ Let's to examine this more closely. → ✓ Let's examine this more closely.
The auxiliary 'to' is not needed after 'Let's'. The bare infinitive is correct.
Her reaction was unexpected. I need `to examine this more closely` to understand her feelings.
Her reaction was unexpected. I need to think more deeply about this to understand her feelings.
Used to delve into the psychological or emotional aspects of a situation.
These anomalous readings are intriguing. We must `to examine this more closely` before drawing conclusions.
These anomalous readings are intriguing. We must investigate this further before drawing conclusions.
Emphasizes the critical need for detailed investigation in scientific research.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the formal transition.
To ______ this more ______, let's look at the individual test scores.
This is the standard form used to transition into a detailed analysis.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a formal context?
Choose the best option:
'Examine' doesn't need 'about,' and 'closely' is the correct adverb.
Match the phrase variation to the correct situation.
Match 1-3 with A-C: 1. Scrutinize 2. Pore over 3. Take a closer look
Scrutinize is for intense detail, pore over is for long study, and take a closer look is neutral.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate formal response.
CEO: 'Our profits are down in Europe.' CFO: '________________________.'
Option B is grammatically correct and fits the formal professional register.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesTo ______ this more ______, let's look at the individual test scores.
This is the standard form used to transition into a detailed analysis.
Choose the best option:
'Examine' doesn't need 'about,' and 'closely' is the correct adverb.
Match 1-3 with A-C: 1. Scrutinize 2. Pore over 3. Take a closer look
Scrutinize is for intense detail, pore over is for long study, and take a closer look is neutral.
CEO: 'Our profits are down in Europe.' CFO: '________________________.'
Option B is grammatically correct and fits the formal professional register.
🎉 Score: /4
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot exactly. 'Study' is general and long-term. 'Examine' is specific and focused on a particular object or point in time.
No, 'close' is an adjective. You need the adverb 'closely' to modify the verb 'examine.'
Yes, in modern English this is perfectly acceptable and often used for emphasis.
It's too formal for casual social situations, like talking about what you want for dinner.
'To scrutinize' or 'to conduct a detailed analysis of' are excellent formal synonyms.
No, it can mean mental analysis, like examining an idea or a theory.
You can say: 'The results must be examined more closely.'
'Take a closer look' is slightly more natural in spoken English; 'examine more closely' is better for writing.
Yes, but be careful. 'The doctor examined the patient' is fine. 'I examined my friend more closely' sounds like you are treating them like a science project.
'Inspect' often implies checking for official rules or safety (like a building inspection). 'Examine' is broader.
Related Phrases
To take a closer look
similarTo observe something with more attention.
To scrutinize
specialized formTo examine with extreme care and often with a critical eye.
To gloss over
contrastTo ignore details or treat something superficially.
To delve into
builds onTo research or investigate something very deeply.
