a close call

USAGE SUMMARY

"a close call" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It should be used when something is barely averted, narrowly avoided, or just barely not happening. For example, "She almost failed the exam, but in the end it was a close call and she managed to pass."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"You have a close call.

The New Yorker

"This was a close call".

The New York Times

It was a close call.

The New York Times - Arts

It is not even a close call".

The New York Times

"It wasn't even a close call.

The New Yorker

"It is a close call," he said.

The New York Times

This is not even a close call".

The New York Times

It was not even a close call.

The New York Times - Sports

Replays suggested it was a close call.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

This is not a close-call.

Huffington Post

In the end, it's a close call.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a close call" to describe situations where danger or failure was narrowly avoided. It's effective for conveying a sense of relief or urgency.

Common error

Avoid using "a close call" when describing situations that are merely slightly inconvenient or mildly challenging; reserve it for scenarios involving genuine risk or potential negative consequences.

Linguistic Context

A close call functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject complement or an object, describing a situation that was nearly disastrous but ultimately averted. Ludwig confirms its standard usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Formal & Business

12%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Arts

3%

Sports

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a close call" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe situations where a negative outcome was narrowly avoided. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples, predominantly from news and media sources. When writing, it's best to reserve this phrase for scenarios involving genuine risk and be aware of similar phrases like "a narrow escape" or "a near miss" for variety. Using this phrase correctly enhances your writing by effectively conveying a sense of urgency and relief.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a narrow escape

Focuses on the act of narrowly avoiding danger or harm.

a near miss

Emphasizes the proximity to an accident or undesirable event.

a close shave

Similar to a narrow escape, often used in informal contexts.

by the skin of one's teeth

Idiomatic expression indicating a very narrow escape or success.

a touch-and-go situation

Highlights the uncertainty and risk involved in the situation.

a photo finish

Used to describe a very tight competition or race.

a squeaker

An informal term for a narrow victory or escape.

a cliffhanger

Emphasizes the suspense and uncertainty of the situation.

a close game

Refers specifically to a sporting event that is closely contested.

a tight spot

Implies a difficult or precarious situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a close call" to describe a situation where someone narrowly avoided danger or failure. For example, "That was "a close call"; I almost missed my flight!"

What's the difference between "a close call" and "a narrow escape"?

"A narrow escape" emphasizes the act of avoiding danger, while "a close call" focuses on the nearness of the negative outcome. They are often interchangeable, but "a close call" can also refer to a decision that was finely balanced.

What can I say instead of "a close call" to describe a sporting event?

For a sporting event, you could use "a close game" or "a photo finish" to indicate a closely contested match.

Is "a close call" appropriate for formal writing?

"A close call" is generally acceptable in most contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might consider alternatives like "a narrow escape" or rephrasing to be more precise, depending on the specific situation.