I was close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was close" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that you were near to achieving something or that your guess or estimation was nearly accurate. Example: "I thought the answer was 45, but it was actually 50. I was close."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Still, I was close.

The New Yorker

I was close to broke.

The New Yorker

But I was close".

The New York Times - Sports

"I was close to my parents.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was close to them.

The New York Times

"I was close to collapse.

The New Yorker

I was close to tears".

The Guardian

I was close to breakdown.

The Guardian

I was close to breaking.

The Guardian

"I was close enough," the bystander said.

The New York Times

I was close to losing my life.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was close" to describe an emotional state, consider adding context to clarify the emotion, such as "I was close to tears" or "I was close to giving up".

Common error

Avoid using "I was close" to describe a feeling without specifying what that feeling was directed towards. For example, saying only "I was close" without clarifying "I was close to despair" can leave the reader unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was close" functions primarily as a declarative statement, indicating a state of being near something, whether physically, emotionally, or figuratively. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage aligns with standard English grammar.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was close" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate nearness, whether physically, emotionally, or in terms of achieving a goal. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Predominantly found in News & Media, its neutral register allows for usage across diverse contexts. While semantically straightforward, being mindful of potential ambiguities, such as specifying the object of proximity, enhances clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was nearly there

Emphasizes being on the verge of completion or success, implying only a short distance remained.

I was almost there

Similar to "I was nearly there", highlighting the near attainment of a goal or destination.

I nearly succeeded

Focuses on the attempt and its near success, highlighting the effort made and the close call.

I was on the verge

Suggests being at the very edge of a particular state or situation, often implying a sense of anticipation or excitement.

I was a hair's breadth away

Conveys a sense of extremely narrow margin, suggesting an outcome was determined by a very slight difference.

I was just about to

Indicates an action was imminent, emphasizing timing and the point of almost commencing something.

I was a stone's throw away

Implies being very close in terms of physical distance, suggesting easy accessibility.

I was in proximity

Highlights physical nearness or closeness in space, often used in a more formal or technical context.

I was intimately connected

Emphasizes a deep personal or emotional connection, suggesting a close relationship or understanding.

I was on the brink of

Indicates being on the precipice of a significant event or change, often with a sense of uncertainty or danger.

FAQs

How can I use "I was close" in a sentence?

You can use "I was close" to indicate nearness to a physical location, emotional state, or goal. For example, "I was close to the station", "I was close to tears", or "I was close to winning".

What can I say instead of "I was close"?

You can use alternatives like "I was nearly there", "I was almost there", or "I was on the verge" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I was close by"?

Yes, "I was close by" is a correct and commonly used phrase. It indicates that you were physically near a location or event. It emphasizes physical proximity more directly than simply saying "I was close".

What's the difference between "I was close to" and "I was close with"?

"I was close to" generally refers to nearness in terms of distance, achievement, or emotional state. "I was close with" refers to a close relationship with someone. For example, "I was close to the border" vs. "I was close with my aunt".