a close call with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a close call with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone narrowly avoids a negative outcome or danger. Example: "It was a close call with the oncoming car, but I managed to swerve just in time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

He had a close call with the eruption of Krakatoa.

The New Yorker

A police officer reported a close call with another on the George Washington bridge.

The Guardian - Tech

People who have had a close call with fire seem to be taking the posters seriously.

The New York Times

It starts with the words: "This is an American success story, born of a close call with disaster".

The Economist

After a close call with death, Pronzini's nameless hero speaks with longing of the "peace of mind" retirement would buy.

The New York Times - Books

Coming Up Astronomy Photo Shoot With an Asteroid A close call with an asteroid will present a rare photo op for anyone with the right equipment.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

People with knowledge of the active Sandusky case told The New York Times in November that the district attorney's decision in 1998 was seen as a close call, even with the evidence that the Penn State police had.

The New York Times - Sports

According to people with knowledge of the current Sandusky case, the district attorney's decision in 1998 was a close call, even with the evidence the campus police had.

The New York Times - Sports

NASA experienced a close call this weekend with its planet-seeking Kepler space telescope.

TechCrunch

Every season the same man behind the stumps but it was a close call this season with Hampshire's Michael Bates being so impressive, as shown in the CB40 final, and Tim Ambrose back on top of his game.

BBC

The piece features interviews with Vietnamese citizens who remember helicopters as harbingers of death, a former Viet Cong soldier who recalls, not without relish, a very close call with airborne American soldiers, and an engineer who sees rotorcraft technology as indispensable to the developing world.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a close call with", consider whether alternative phrasing like "a narrow escape from" or "a near miss with" might be more precise or impactful in your specific context.

Common error

Avoid using "a close call with" when describing situations that are merely inconvenient or slightly problematic. This phrase is most effective when referring to events with potentially serious consequences, such as accidents, injuries, or significant losses. For minor inconveniences, consider using milder language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a close call with" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. It describes an incident or situation where a negative outcome was narrowly avoided. Ludwig's examples confirm this usage, showing the phrase in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a close call with" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes an event where a negative or dangerous outcome was narrowly avoided. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various news and media sources. The phrase conveys a sense of relief and emphasizes the proximity to potential harm. Alternatives such as "a narrow escape from" or "a near miss with" may be used depending on the specific context. It's important to use this phrase when describing potentially serious situations, not merely minor inconveniences. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a narrow escape from

Emphasizes the act of escaping a dangerous situation.

a near miss with

Highlights the proximity to an undesirable event.

a brush with

Implies a brief and often superficial encounter with danger or a negative experience.

a close shave with

An idiomatic expression suggesting a narrow avoidance of something unpleasant.

a hair's breadth from

Emphasizes how little separated someone from a negative outcome.

a near thing

A more concise way of expressing a close call.

just barely avoided

Focuses on the action of avoiding something undesirable.

a narrow victory over

Highlights overcoming a difficult challenge by a small margin.

a close encounter with

Similar to a brush with, but often used in the context of unexpected events or phenomena.

a near disaster

Emphasizes the potential for a calamitous outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "a close call with" to describe situations where someone narrowly avoids a dangerous or undesirable outcome. For example, "He had "a close call with" a speeding car while crossing the street".

What can I say instead of "a close call with"?

Alternatives include "a narrow escape from", "a near miss with", or "a brush with", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a close call from" instead of "a close call with"?

While you might occasionally encounter "a close call from", the more common and accepted phrasing is "a close call with". The preposition "with" indicates the specific danger or situation that was narrowly avoided.

What's the difference between "a close call with" and "a near miss with"?

Both phrases describe similar situations, but ""a close call with"" often implies a more general sense of danger or potential harm, while ""a near miss with"" typically refers to a specific event that almost resulted in an accident or collision.