already so close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "already so close" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is near completion or that a goal is nearly achieved. Example: "We are already so close to finishing the project, just a few more adjustments are needed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"I was already so close to their way of living," Mansour said.

The New York Times - Magazine

He is already so close, there on the stage, that the play runs the risk of letting you forget how distant Cromwell really is.

The New Yorker

It was quietly thrilling to watch someone who was already so close to the top of her profession leaning in, and potentially toward a mass audience.

The New Yorker

With saving rates already so close to zero, the government might have had better luck boosting the economy through its own dissaving, via deficit-funded stimulus, than through trying to encourage such behaviour in strapped households.

The Economist

The BBC aside, before too long (and we are already so close) we shall all just cherry-pick from the available international output to create our own personal "channels".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

When you know a story so well and are already so close to it, you need to remove yourself and your investment in it to think about properly designing its cover.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

They already were so close that "it felt almost like an appointment we finally got around to keeping," Dee wrote in In This Life Together.

The Guardian - Film

The runner-up to Justin Rose at Merion is the epitome of a big-stage performer having already gone so close twice in both the US Open and the Masters.

BBC

"I think we've made a psychological blow already getting so close to their score even if we don't get a lead in the morning".

BBC

I mention that it may still be out of our detection range but he scoffs that "If a planet was going to pass in its orbit near the Earth later this year, then it would already be so close you'd be able to see it with the naked eye and it'd be much brighter than Mars.

Vice

"It's hard to tell a person whom you're already so [physically] close with," she says.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "already so close" to indicate a task or goal is nearing completion, but be mindful of the context to ensure it aligns with the overall tone. Consider alternatives like "nearly there" or "almost achieved" for variety.

Common error

Avoid using "already so close" when the goal is still significantly distant. It's best suited for situations where the end is genuinely near. If the completion is uncertain, consider phrases like "making progress".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "already so close" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause, emphasizing the degree to which something is near completion. This usage is consistent with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase as grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

24%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "already so close" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that something is nearing completion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, but also appears in scientific and informal writing. When using "already so close", ensure that the context aligns with the phrase's emphasis on imminence, and consider alternatives like "nearly there" or "almost achieved" to provide variety in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly there

Emphasizes reaching a destination or goal soon.

almost achieved

Highlights that an objective is on the verge of being attained.

on the verge of success

Focuses on the imminence of a positive outcome.

within reach

Suggests that something is easily attainable now.

just around the corner

Implies that an event or milestone is about to occur.

close at hand

Indicates nearness in time or space.

nearing completion

Specifically refers to the progress of a project or task.

on the home stretch

An idiomatic expression for the final part of a journey or project.

approaching the finish line

Similar to "on the home stretch", but more literal.

on the brink of

Implies a state of being just before a significant change or event.

FAQs

How can I use "already so close" in a sentence?

You can use "already so close" to indicate that something is nearing completion or a goal is almost achieved. For example, "We're "already so close" to launching the product; just a few more tests are needed."

What are some alternatives to "already so close"?

Alternatives include "nearly there", "almost achieved", or "within reach", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "already so close"?

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize that a task, project, or goal is very near completion or achievement. It suggests a high degree of progress and a sense of anticipation.

Is "already so close" formal or informal?

The phrase "already so close" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "nearing completion".