a bit close for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bit close for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is somewhat too near or intimate for comfort or appropriateness in a given context. Example: "I felt that the conversation was a bit close for comfort, given the sensitive nature of the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

That was a bit close for comfort.

The Guardian - Sport

What if a police bodyguard had been injured, or pulled his gun? (There are reports in some newspapers that the policeman in the prince's chase car was bashing protestors away with his car door, which sounds a bit close for comfort if true).

The Economist

Warwickshire fast bowler Chris Wright told BBC WM: "It was a bit close for comfort in the end, but a good win all the same.

BBC

The pancake lens and compact form factor make things a bit close for comfort if you have big hands, but it's hot hard to figure out.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

While I doubt that anyone on that boat will ever forget this amazing encounter, it definitely seems a tiny bit close for comfort.

Huffington Post

The 12,184-square-foot house seems a bit close to the neighbors' houses for the asking price.

Los Angeles Times

"Glen Chapple said it may be a bit close and he was right, it was a bit too close for comfort.

BBC

Today's main action is at Warwick, where I fancy Andy Thornton's chances of getting a bit closer to that longed-for tally of 1,000 career wins.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet, funnily enough, I felt a bit closer to him for it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Be warned though: you must be a bit closer to the butterfly for your shots to land.

WikiHow

The Trollhattan factory sputtered for a bit, closing completely in June.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer "a bit too close for comfort" if the focus is more on an uncomfortable sense.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid using "a bit close for comfort" in highly formal writing. Opt for more precise and professional language to convey your meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit close for" primarily functions as a qualifier, indicating the degree to which something approaches a boundary of acceptability. As confirmed by Ludwig, it conveys that something is somewhat too near or intimate for comfort or appropriateness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bit close for" is a phrase used to express that something is nearing a limit of acceptability, often causing discomfort or concern. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for expressing situations that are "somewhat too near or intimate for comfort". It's frequently encountered in news and media contexts, conveying a neutral tone. When writing, ensure it aligns with the level of formality required by your context, opting for more precise language in professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

too near for comfort

Emphasizes the uncomfortable feeling caused by the closeness.

uncomfortably close

Highlights the discomfort level resulting from the proximity.

dangerously near

Suggests the proximity poses a threat or risk.

narrowly avoided

Focuses on escaping an undesirable outcome by a small margin.

by a hair's breadth

Emphasizes the extremely small margin of separation.

a close call

Highlights the potential for a negative outcome that was narrowly averted.

a near miss

Emphasizes the failure to achieve something by a small margin.

within an inch of

Focuses on the extremely small distance separating two things or outcomes.

just barely

Highlights the minimal effort or condition that allowed something to happen.

a tight squeeze

Implies a difficult situation with little room for error or movement.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a bit close for comfort"?

You can try alternatives such as "too near for comfort", "uncomfortably close", or "dangerously near" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a bit close for comfort"?

It's suitable when describing situations that feel uncomfortably near or personal, where you want to express a mild sense of unease or concern.

Is "a bit close for comfort" considered formal or informal?

It's generally considered informal. In formal contexts, it might be better to use more precise and professional language.

What does "a bit close for comfort" mean?

It means that something is uncomfortably or worryingly near, either physically or metaphorically. It implies a sense of unease or potential risk due to the proximity.