a close encounter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a close encounter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone has a brief or intense interaction with something, often used in the context of unusual or unexpected experiences. Example: "After a close encounter with a wild animal during our hike, we decided to be more cautious in the wilderness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It was a close encounter," admitted Souness.

The Guardian - Sport

Everybody has a story about a close encounter with disaster.

The New York Times

Such a close encounter was a scientific opportunity not to be missed said Prof Fitzsimmons.

Independent

Though that is a safe distance, it's a close encounter for an asteroid.

Independent

Wildlife sightings don't come more impressive than a close encounter with a leopard.

Independent

That's not to say I've never had a close encounter of the sheep kind.

The New York Times

Our first morning cruise brought us a close encounter with an impressive male orang-utan.

The Guardian - Travel

Next week Kimble has a close encounter with the prosthetic-armed man in Savannah.

The New York Times

An afternoon river safari provides a close encounter of a different kind.

The Guardian - Travel

I had a close encounter with this new brand of boor this summer.

The New York Times

Sorastro and his sleek high priests seem to have had a close encounter with the Jedi.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a close encounter" when you want to describe a situation where someone has a brief or intense interaction with something unexpected or unusual, such as a wild animal or a celebrity.

Common error

While generally acceptable, be mindful of overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Consider more precise or technical alternatives depending on the field.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a close encounter" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. For example, "Wildlife sightings don't come more impressive than a close encounter with a leopard."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a close encounter" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a brief, often unexpected, interaction. Ludwig AI validates its usability across diverse contexts, particularly in news, travel, and scientific reporting. While generally neutral in register, careful consideration should be given to context. Alternatives include "a near brush" or "a narrow escape". Remember to use it when you want to emphasize the proximity and impact of an event, such as "I had a close encounter with an emu".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a near brush

Focuses on narrowly avoiding something negative or dangerous; less emphasis on interaction.

a narrow escape

Emphasizes the avoidance of danger or harm.

a close shave

Similar to a narrow escape, highlighting the thin margin of safety.

a tense standoff

Highlights the potentially hostile or challenging nature of the meeting.

a significant interaction

Focuses on the importance or impact of the meeting or event.

an intimate meeting

Conveys a sense of closeness and personal connection during the encounter.

a face-to-face meeting

Emphasizes the directness and personal nature of the interaction.

a direct confrontation

Highlights the assertive or potentially combative nature of the meeting.

a personal experience

Broader term that refers to any event or situation that has affected someone.

a firsthand account

Focuses on providing a personal description based on direct experience.

FAQs

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

You can use "a close encounter" to describe a brief or intense interaction with something, often used in the context of unusual or unexpected experiences. For example, "I had "a close encounter" with a bear while hiking".

What are some alternatives to "a close encounter"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a near brush", "a narrow escape", or "a significant interaction".

Is it appropriate to use "a close encounter" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the specific context of your formal writing. In some cases, a more precise or technical term might be more appropriate.

What does "a close encounter" typically imply?

"A close encounter" usually suggests an interaction that is both brief and intense, often with an element of surprise or unexpectedness. It may also imply a near miss or potential danger, depending on the situation.