a close fourth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a close fourth" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where you are ranking items or individuals, indicating that one is just behind the top three positions. Example: "In the race for the best-selling book, she came in a close fourth, just missing the top three spots."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

So much for a close fourth quarter.

The New York Times

I think I came a "close fourth", as Nicholas kindly put it.

Independent

Coming a close fourth on words to describe Bush was "arrogant".

The Guardian

"The King's Speech" (the Weinstein Company) was a close fourth with roughly $8.3 million $84.1 millionn total).

The New York Times

As a wide-eyed 17-year-old, Kitajima finished a close fourth in Sydney in the 100m breaststroke.

The Guardian - Sport

Add Iran, a close fourth place, and these countries accounted for more than 90percentt of all executions worldwide.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

After Williams pulled out a close fourth-round match, in which the difference had been the first shot of each point, Sharapova said if Williams continued to serve that way, no player at Wimbledon could beat her.

The New York Times

"I remember a game when we missed picking up the first down on a close fourth-down play and he got up and stomped the wooden folding chair he was sitting in until it was in 200 pieces.

The New York Times - Sports

Russia was a close second.

The New York Times - Sports

Delta is a close second.

The New York Times

A close second is anger.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a close fourth" to create narrative tension, suggesting a potential for future success or improvement, making the situation more engaging for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a close fourth" when the actual difference between the third and fourth positions is substantial. The phrase implies a narrow margin.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a close fourth" functions as a descriptive element, typically an adverbial phrase or adjective phrase modifying a noun. It indicates the degree to which someone or something nearly achieved the fourth position in a ranking or competition, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a close fourth" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a situation where someone or something nearly achieves fourth place. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It's most frequently found in News & Media contexts and is used to convey the narrow margin between success and a slightly lower position. While there are several alternatives, such as "nearly fourth" or "a tight fourth place", it's important to ensure that the context warrants the use of "close", implying a small difference between the third and fourth positions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tight fourth place

Similar meaning to "a close fourth", emphasizing the small margin.

a near fourth

A more concise way to express being close to fourth position.

close to fourth position

A more descriptive phrase that clarifies the proximity to fourth.

nearly fourth

Emphasizes the nearness to the fourth position, without necessarily implying a close competition.

almost fourth

Similar to 'nearly fourth', but can suggest a missed opportunity to achieve fourth place.

in fourth place by a small margin

Expresses being fourth with the addition of a small margin.

just outside the top three

Highlights the fact that the subject is immediately below the top three, implying a close margin.

narrowly missed fourth

Indicates a slight failure to secure fourth place.

fourth by a hair

Idiomatic expression indicating a very small difference in reaching fourth.

a whisker away from fourth

Idiomatic phrase highlighting how little was needed to reach fourth.

FAQs

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

You can use "a close fourth" to describe a situation where someone or something almost achieved fourth place. For example, "The runner finished "a close fourth" in the race".

What does it mean to finish "a close fourth"?

Finishing "a close fourth" means you came in fourth place, but were very close to achieving third place. It indicates a near miss.

What can I say instead of "a close fourth"?

Alternatives include "nearly fourth", "almost fourth", or "a near fourth", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more positive to finish "a close fourth" or a distant third?

While finishing third is technically better, "a close fourth" suggests potential for improvement. It implies the person or team was very competitive and could achieve a higher ranking in the future.