are closely knit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are closely knit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of people or things that are tightly connected or bonded, often in a social or emotional context. Example: "The members of the community are closely knit, supporting each other through difficult times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

They also reveal a schism between Mrs. Williams, who married Mr. Williams in 2011 and is a relative newcomer to the family, and his children, who are closely knit and were a highly visible part of his personal life.

The New York Times

Separated by the narrow Palk Strait, Sri Lankan Tamils are closely knit by both familial and cultural ties to their Indian counterparts.

Huffington Post

In the eternal, complicated interactions between microbes and hosts, supremacy and survival are closely knit.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Rural communities are generally more are closely knit, and people know each other well to ascertain their poverty status.

Globalization and Health

Artisanal fishing communities are closely knit social units, often comprising one or a few extended families who are proud of their fishing tradition.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Villages on the other hand are closely knit societies where each person has intimate knowledge about the activities of others.

IZA Journal of Migration

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Social, intellectual and administrative elites were closely knit.

The New York Times

The community survived because they were closely knit.

The Guardian

"In a football stadium, you can't say you're closely knit together.

The New Yorker

"Wagon Master" is closely knit into the vast body of work that Ford created between his first film in 1917 and his death in 1973.

The New York Times

The music of Meistersinger is closely knit there is nothing flabby about it and although perhaps twenty minutes too long, it is never really boring, as are patches in The Ring.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing groups, use "are closely knit" to emphasize strong relationships and mutual support within the group. For example, "The team members are closely knit, which enhances their collaborative efforts."

Common error

While "are closely knit" is acceptable, be mindful of the tone in formal writing. More formal alternatives like "are closely connected" or "are tightly integrated" may be more appropriate for academic or professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are closely knit" functions as a linking verb phrase, describing a state of being or a characteristic of a subject. It indicates that the subjects have a strong connection, bond, or relationship.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are closely knit" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe groups or communities with strong, intimate relationships. Ludwig AI validates the phrase's usability. It is frequently found in news, science, and wiki contexts, indicating a neutral to slightly informal register. While versatile, writers should consider the formality of the context and may opt for alternatives like "are tightly knit" or "are closely connected" in more formal settings. The strength of its usage lies in emphasizing robust social bonds and mutual support within the described group.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are tightly knit

Emphasizes the strength and firmness of the connection.

are closely connected

Focuses on the linked or associated nature of the elements.

are intimately linked

Suggests a deep and personal level of connection.

are strongly bonded

Highlights the emotional or chemical-like ties between elements.

are deeply intertwined

Implies a complex and inseparable relationship.

are firmly united

Stresses a deliberate and strong coming together.

are inextricably linked

Indicates an unavoidable and unbreakable connection.

are intimately associated

Highlights the personal or private nature of the connection

are closely allied

Focuses on collaboration and mutual support.

share close ties

Highlights the connections between people, emphasizing kinship.

FAQs

How can I use "are closely knit" in a sentence?

You can use "are closely knit" to describe groups or communities with strong connections. For example, "The villagers "are closely knit", always helping each other".

What phrases are similar to "are closely knit"?

Alternatives to "are closely knit" include phrases such as "are tightly knit", "are closely connected", or "are strongly bonded".

Is "are closely knit" formal or informal?

The phrase "are closely knit" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. For more formal contexts, consider using "are closely integrated" or "are closely associated".

What does it mean when people "are closely knit"?

When people "are closely knit", it means they have strong relationships and a strong sense of community. They support each other and work together effectively.