a close kin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a close kin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone who is a close relative or family member. Example: "She is a close kin of mine, and we have shared many family traditions together."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Paddlefish, a close kin of the sturgeon, makes a pleasant, mild-tasting roe that typically sells for around $30 an ounce.

The New York Times

Thus, mating with a close kin leads to a decreased control over the sex-ratio of the offspring.

Plosone

The high nucleotide diversity of the reference genes also safely precludes the possibility that our samples are biased to a close kin group.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Based on inclusive fitness theory, we depart from the broad hypothesis that all close kin will behave cooperatively and exert a positive influence on reproduction.

Human Nature

In civil law someone who dies leaving a spouse or close kin (descendants or ascendants) may effectively dispose of only a portion of his estate by will.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When you see your own family's name on a stone, connect a grave with the stories you have heard about a young man, close kin, deprived of life, the depth of feeling, of course, is much closer to one's heart.

Huffington Post

One of several, it turned out, for — as Raymond Erickson pointed out in his program notes — the passacaglia, an ancient form featuring variations on a ground bass or a harmonic progression, and its close kin the chaconne, formed a sort of subtheme for the concert.

The New York Times - Arts

Accordingly, she gave it a dark, dramatic reading, close kin to that on the recording.

The New York Times

This is actually close kin to an old Max Miller joke where a girl, sitting on a man's lap in a packed train and reaching a blacked-out station, asks: "Is this Cockfosters?", to which he replies, "I don't know, lady, does it matter?" Some may find all this too silly or sexually incorrect for words.

The Guardian

The separation of Pasi-Upper and Pasi-Lower in the phylogeny, despite belonging to the same ancestral group, could be the consequence of the migration of a few close kin-groups from their ancestral population of Adi Pasi at the Upper Siang district to the plain areas at the East Siang district.

Plosone

The toss to Steve Smith looked like close kin to a screen, and went for 12 yards.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to family relationships, consider whether "a close relative" or "a close family member" might be clearer and more widely understood than "a close kin".

Common error

Avoid using "a close kin" in informal contexts; it may sound overly formal or archaic. Opt for simpler terms like "close relative" or "family member" in casual conversation or writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a close kin" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically sound, designating individuals sharing strong familial ties. Examples showcase its use in discussing genetic relationships and social structures.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a close kin" is a grammatically valid but somewhat uncommon way to refer to a close relative or someone with a strong familial connection. While correct, Ludwig AI suggests that more common alternatives like "a close relative" or "a close family member" may be clearer and more appropriate in many contexts. It is most frequently found in scientific and news media sources. When writing, consider the formality of the situation and whether a simpler term might be more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a close family member

A more explicit and common way to describe someone who is part of your immediate family.

a close relative

Replaces 'kin' with 'relative', a more common and widely understood term for family members.

a close blood relative

Adds emphasis on the genetic link between relatives.

a near relation

Substitutes 'kin' with 'relation', offering a slightly more formal alternative with similar meaning.

a close connection

Shifts the focus to the bond itself, rather than the individuals involved.

a close affinity

Implies a similarity or resemblance, broadening the scope beyond familial ties.

a close parallel

Highlights a similarity or correspondence between two things, rather than people.

a close analogue

Emphasizes a functional or structural similarity, often used in scientific or technical contexts.

a close counterpart

Suggests a corresponding or equivalent entity, often in a different context or system.

a close sibling

Focuses specifically on the relationship between siblings, implying a strong familial bond.

FAQs

What does "a close kin" mean?

The phrase "a close kin" refers to someone who is a close relative or family member. It indicates a strong familial connection.

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

You can use "a close kin" to describe someone with whom you share a strong family bond. For example, "She is "a close kin" of mine, and we have shared many family traditions together."

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

You can use alternatives like "a close relative", "a near relation", or "a close family member" depending on the context.

Is "a close kin" a common phrase?

While grammatically correct, "a close kin" is not as common as alternatives like "a close relative". It might sound slightly formal or old-fashioned in modern usage.