a near thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a near thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation that was very close to happening or succeeding, often with a sense of relief that it did not occur. Example: "The game was intense, and it was a near thing, but we managed to win in the final seconds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It was a near thing.

The Economist

"A bit of a near thing," said Captain Mitty carelessly.

The New Yorker

He had thought it a near thing then.

The New Yorker

Acaster won, but it was a near thing.

The Guardian - Music

So Harper may have postponed his hanging, but it was a near thing.

The Guardian - Opinion

All in all, it was a near thing for New York diners.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The only overdose situation comes deliberately, when poor vulnerable and unhappy Penny Lane gets into a near-thing - with quaaludes, famously the pharmaceutical of choice for the Carpenter siblings.

The Guardian - Film

"They have good attitude about them and they fought hard and there were a few near things near the end".

BBC

Going to church is a good thing, especially near the Christmas season.

WikiHow

The drama of what Wellington memorably called a "near run thing" once inspired William Thackeray and Victor Hugo to create equally memorable fictional representations of Waterloo, which stayed in the minds of British and French readers for generations.

Independent

I'm not sure that shaking things up in the near term is a good thing".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a near thing" to add a touch of understatement when describing a situation that was potentially dangerous or disastrous, but ultimately resolved positively. This can create a sense of relief or mild amusement for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a near thing" in highly formal or technical writing. While acceptable in news and general prose, it may sound too casual for academic papers or official reports. Opt for more precise and formal alternatives like "a close call" or "a narrow escape" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a near thing" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or appositive. It describes a situation, event, or outcome that narrowly avoided an undesirable result. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a near thing" is a common and correct expression used to describe situations that narrowly avoid a negative outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best to avoid it in very formal writing. Consider alternatives like "a close call" or "a narrow escape" in such cases. Understanding its nuance allows for more effective communication and stylistic precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a close call

This alternative emphasizes the danger or negative outcome that was narrowly avoided.

a narrow escape

This phrase highlights the act of avoiding a dangerous or unpleasant situation.

a close shave

Similar to a close call, but often used in more informal contexts.

a near miss

This emphasizes the closeness of the negative event without it actually occurring.

by a hair's breadth

This idiom suggests that the margin between success and failure was very small.

just barely

This phrase indicates that something was achieved or avoided with very little to spare.

touch and go

This phrase describes a situation where the outcome is uncertain and could easily go either way.

a close game

Specifically used in sports, it signifies a competition where the scores are very tight.

a squeaker

An informal term for a very close victory or escape.

on the brink

Focuses on the imminence of a significant event, often negative, that was averted.

FAQs

How can I use "a near thing" in a sentence?

Use "a near thing" to describe a situation that almost resulted in failure, disaster, or negative outcome. For example: "The surgery was risky, but it was "a near thing", and the patient recovered fully."

What phrases are similar to "a near thing"?

Alternatives to "a near thing" include "a close call", "a narrow escape", or "a near miss". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a near thing" appropriate for formal writing?

While "a near thing" is widely understood, it may be considered too informal for academic or business writing. Consider using more formal alternatives such as "a close call" or "a precarious situation" in those contexts.

What's the difference between "a near thing" and "a near miss"?

Both phrases describe something that almost went wrong. "A near thing" is a more general term, while "a near miss" specifically implies that an accident or collision was narrowly avoided.