always so close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "always so close" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a sense of proximity or closeness that is consistent or recurring. Example: "Despite the distance between us, I feel like we are always so close in spirit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

I'm always so close.

Independent

"We are always so close to winning and we were missing a little thing," Djourou added.

Independent

"Even in the regular season, it was always so close," Parise said.

The New York Times - Sports

I think the fact we were always so close made us a better team.

The Guardian - Sport

"I love this movie because Kubrick is always so close to being over the top, yet he keeps it so totally real," Mr. Sonnenfeld said.

The New York Times

He then described himself as "this man called from a distant country," a country far away but always so close in communion and Christian faith and tradition.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

I've always been so close".

The New Yorker

But the show didn't always hew so close to reality.

The New York Times - Arts

We had always been so close and yet here we were, in a car on the way home from Snappy Snaps, canyons apart.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Surely there were genetic factors at work, and my mother's sorrow obviously weighed on me, since we have always been so close.

The New York Times - Books

While both senators say their relationship has grown stronger in recent years, aided by a friendship between their wives, they have not always been so close.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "always so close" to express a recurring sense of nearness, whether physical, emotional, or metaphorical. It can effectively convey a consistent state of proximity or a feeling of almost achieving a goal.

Common error

While "always so close" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your prose sound less sophisticated. In such situations, consider alternatives like "persistently adjacent" or "invariably proximate" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "always so close" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier describing a state of proximity. It indicates that something or someone is consistently near, either physically or metaphorically. As Ludwig AI shows, it is used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "always so close" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey a recurring sense of nearness or proximity. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for various contexts, including News & Media and more informal settings. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in excessively formal writing, where alternatives like "persistently adjacent" might be more appropriate. Be aware of the potential for overuse, and consider alternative phrasing to maintain variety in your writing. The phrase functions as an adverbial modifier, and can be used in professional, informal and formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

constantly nearby

Replaces "always" with "constantly" and "so close" with "nearby", emphasizing continuous physical proximity.

incessantly near

Uses "incessantly" instead of "always" to highlight the unceasing nature of the proximity and uses near as a substitute for close.

ever within reach

Focuses on accessibility rather than just proximity, implying something is consistently attainable.

forever just a step away

Emphasizes the minimal effort required to bridge the distance, implying a perpetual state of near connection.

persistently adjacent

Highlights the continuous physical adjacency and has a formal tone.

habitually intimate

Shifts the focus to emotional closeness and routine connection.

invariably proximate

Replaces "always" with "invariably" and "so close" with "proximate", stressing the unchanging nature of the nearness.

enduringly near

Highlights the lasting quality of the nearness or connection.

perpetually next door

Implies a consistent and unwavering state of adjacency or immediate proximity.

consistently a stone's throw away

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey the idea of being nearby consistently.

FAQs

What does "always so close" mean?

The phrase "always so close" suggests a recurring state of being near, whether physically, emotionally, or in terms of achieving a goal. It implies consistency in proximity or a sense of nearly attaining something.

What can I say instead of "always so close"?

You can use alternatives like "constantly nearby", "ever within reach", or "incessantly near" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "always so close"?

Yes, "always so close" is grammatically correct. The adverb "always" modifies the adjective phrase "so close", creating a descriptive phrase indicating a recurring state of nearness.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "always so close"?

The phrase "always so close" is appropriate in various contexts where you want to convey a consistent state of proximity. This could be in describing relationships, achievements, or physical locations. It fits well in both informal and neutral registers but should be used sparingly in very formal writing.