a close

USAGE SUMMARY

Sentence The word 'a close' can be used in written English, although it has a few particular definitions.
It can be an adverb meaning 'near' or 'at hand', as in "She kept a close eye on the clock." It can also mean 'the end' or 'the conclusion', as in "It was a close game until the final seconds." It can also mean 'intimate' or 'familiar', as in "We have a close friendship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Expect a close slugfest.

The New York Times

To a close?

The New Yorker

Nobody's a close second".

The New York Times

We're a close group.

The New York Times - Sports

A close margin?

The New York Times

We're a close team".

The New York Times - Sports

Tora! Tora!" to a close.

The New Yorker

TALK about a close shave.

The Economist

That was a close one.

The New Yorker

"This was a close call".

The New York Times

Russia was a close second.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a close" to describe a relationship, ensure the context clarifies the nature of the relationship (e.g., family, friendship, professional).

Common error

Avoid using "a close" without sufficient context. The meaning of "close" changes significantly depending on whether it refers to physical proximity, emotional connection, or the end of something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a close" primarily functions as a determiner followed by an adjective modifying a noun. It often describes the degree of proximity, intimacy, or similarity. Ludwig provides examples of this usage across various contexts, supporting its role as a descriptive element.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a close" functions as an adjective phrase, widely used to describe proximity, intimacy, or completion. With Ludwig providing numerous examples, its versatility across different contexts—from news and media to scientific literature—is evident. The grammatical status is correct and very common. While generally neutral in register, its specific meaning depends heavily on the context, so clarity is essential. Key takeaways include understanding that "a close" is a versatile phrase with varied applications, emphasizing the importance of contextual awareness in its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a near

Synonym replacement, focusing on physical proximity or similarity.

nearby

Single word substitution focusing on spatial proximity. It removes the article "a" and uses an adjective.

a nearby

Adjective indicating physical proximity, similar to 'nearby' but retaining the article.

an intimate

Focuses on the sense of intimacy or familiarity that "close" can imply.

a proximate

More formal synonym emphasizing nearness or immediacy.

a tight

Focuses on the intensity or narrowness of a situation or relationship.

a finishing

Highlights the sense of completion or conclusion.

a concluding

Similar to 'a finishing', this emphasizes the act of bringing something to an end.

a confidential

Highlights the aspect of secrecy or trust often associated with close relationships.

a faithful

Emphasizes loyalty and strong bond that can exist in a close relationship.

FAQs

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

The phrase "a close" can denote physical proximity, as in "Keep "a close eye" on the children", or a tight bond, as in "They have "a close relationship"".

What are some synonyms for "a close"?

Depending on the context, you can substitute "a close" with alternatives such as "a near", "an intimate", or "a tight".

Is it always correct to use "a close"?

While generally correct, the best usage of "a close" depends on the specific context. Ensure the intended meaning is clear, whether referring to nearness, intimacy, or conclusion.

What is the difference between "a close" and "nearly"?

"A close" typically implies a relationship or state of being, while "nearly" is an adverb indicating approximation. For example, "They are "a close family"" versus "The project is nearly complete".