I was close to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was close to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express proximity to a situation, feeling, or event, often indicating a near occurrence or emotional connection. Example: "I was close to making a decision when I received new information that changed everything."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I was close to broke.

The New Yorker

"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 breakdown.

The Guardian

I was close to tears".

The Guardian

I was close to losing my life.

The Guardian - Sport

"I was close to my own father.

The New York Times - Arts

I was close to my aunt.

The Guardian - Arts

I was close to my mother.

The Guardian - Arts

I was close to both my grandmothers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was close to", ensure the context clearly indicates what you were near to achieving, feeling, or experiencing for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "I was close to" when you mean emotional intimacy with a person; instead, use "I was close with" or "I had a close relationship with" for people.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was close to" primarily functions as a predicate adjective expressing a state of near attainment, experience, or emotional threshold. Ludwig's examples illustrate its application across diverse contexts, from financial straits to emotional responses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Unknown

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was close to" is a versatile expression used to indicate proximity to an event, feeling, or achievement. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and very commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the context clearly specifies what you were near to experiencing or achieving. Alternatives such as "I nearly" or "I almost" can provide similar meanings. Be mindful of the distinction between physical/emotional proximity and interpersonal relationships, using "I was close with" for the latter.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I nearly

Expresses that something almost happened or a state was almost reached, similar to being close to it.

I almost

Indicates that an action or event was on the verge of occurring or was only narrowly avoided.

I verged on

Suggests approaching a limit or threshold, similar to being close to a particular state or condition.

I approached

Highlights the act of getting nearer to something physically or metaphorically.

I came near to

Describes the act of nearly experiencing something, emphasizing the proximity to a specific event or state.

I was on the brink of

Implies being at the very edge of a situation or action, suggesting imminent occurrence.

I was nearing

Emphasizes the progressive action of approaching a specific point or state.

I was within reach of

Highlights the possibility of attaining something, signifying a state of near achievement.

I was just about to

Signifies the immediate anticipation of an action, expressing minimal delay.

I was on the verge of

This phrase suggest being in the state of possibly something

FAQs

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

Use "I was close to" to indicate that you almost achieved something, nearly experienced something, or had a strong emotional reaction. For example, "I was close to tears" or "I was close to finishing the project".

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

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

Which is correct, "I was close to breakdown" or "I was close to a breakdown"?

Both "I was close to breakdown" and "I was close to a breakdown" are acceptable, but "I was close to a breakdown" is more common when referring to a specific instance of a breakdown.

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

"I was close to" generally refers to proximity to an event, action, or state, while "I was close with" refers to having an intimate or familiar relationship with someone.