What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
intently
Example
She listened intently to the speaker's words. [intently: adverb]
Example
The detective looked intently at the evidence, trying to find any clues. [intently: adverb]
closely
Example
The doctor examined the patient closely to determine the cause of the symptoms. [closely: adverb]
Example
The two friends are closely connected and share many interests. [closely: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Closely is more commonly used than intently in everyday language. Closely is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while intently is less common and is often used in more formal or specialized contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between intently and closely?
Intently is more formal than closely and is often used in academic or professional contexts. However, both words can be used in formal or informal settings depending on the context and tone of the communication.
