a close two

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a close two" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to refer to a close relationship or proximity between two entities, but the phrasing is awkward and unclear. Example: "We have a close two in our friendship, always supporting each other."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

And so, as the season draws to a close, two contests take shape.

The New Yorker

As the Premier League season draws to a close, two contests take shape.

The New Yorker

As the term came to a close, two significant cases, both of which originated in Texas, remained unresolved.

The New Yorker

Although independent living group rush has drawn to a close, two fraternities and a sorority -- none of them housed -- have not yet finished rushing.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Attorney General Jeff Sessions confirmed McCabe's dismissal in a statement late on Friday, bringing to a close two decades of service at the nation's top law enforcement agency.

The Guardian

As 1999 drew to a close, two weeks of continuous rain drummed down the sides of the Ávila Mountains in northern Venezuela.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Monarchs win a close one.

The New York Times

That was a close one.

The New Yorker

The "Revenge" cast is a close one.

The New York Times - Arts

"That was a close one," they said.

The New Yorker

The fight, when it comes, will be a close one.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "a close two" in formal writing. It's generally better to rephrase for clarity and grammatical correctness. Consider alternatives like "a close pair" or "a near tie" depending on the context.

Common error

A common error is assuming "a close two" is a standard way to describe a close relationship between two entities. Instead, focus on using more direct and grammatically accepted phrasing, such as specifying the type of closeness (e.g. "a close friendship").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a close two" functions as a descriptor, attempting to modify a noun, but it lacks clear grammatical structure. It appears in various contexts, trying to convey proximity or similarity. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically incorrect.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a close two" presents an interesting case. While Ludwig shows a number of examples of its usage, it is considered grammatically awkward and not standard English. Its intended purpose is to describe a close relationship, proximity, or a tight competition between two entities. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, followed by academic sources. Despite its presence, it's best to avoid "a close two" in formal writing and opt for clearer, more grammatically sound alternatives such as "a close pair", "a near tie", or specifying the nature of the relationship. Ludwig AI underlines its grammatical issues, reinforcing the need for caution and alternative phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a narrow margin

Focuses on the smallness of the difference between two values or scores.

a tight race

Emphasizes the competitiveness and evenness of a competition between two or more participants.

a near tie

Highlights the almost equal outcome of a comparison or contest.

a close call

Indicates a situation where a negative outcome was narrowly avoided.

a slim chance

Suggests that the probability of success is low but still present.

a hair's breadth

Implies an extremely small distance or difference between two things.

a close parallel

Highlights the similarities and resemblances between two distinct entities.

a striking resemblance

Emphasizes the notable similarities in appearance or characteristics.

a strong affinity

Highlights the natural liking or connection between two individuals or concepts.

a neighboring pair

Emphasizes the physical proximity or adjacency between two entities.

FAQs

Is "a close two" grammatically correct?

The phrase "a close two" is generally considered grammatically awkward and not standard English. According to Ludwig AI, it's not the best way to express a close relationship or proximity.

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

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a narrow margin", "a tight race", or "a near tie".

How can I use the idea of 'closeness' between two entities in a sentence?

Instead of saying "a close two", try being more specific. For instance, "They have a close relationship" or "The two buildings are in close proximity".

Which is correct, "a close two" or "a close pair"?

"A close pair" is grammatically sound and commonly used, whereas "a close two" is not standard. You can use "a close pair" to describe two things that are near each other or have a strong connection.