are less close to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are less close to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship or proximity that is not as strong or intimate compared to another. Example: "In terms of friendship, I feel that I am less close to Sarah than I am to Emily."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Both are less close to the earth but very beautiful.

The New York Times

In contrast, random forests are not recommended because convergence problems in the multiple imputation were observed, the results are less close to the observed parameters and have often large variances.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It's the continuation of a policy that we are always hoping would be discontinued by the church: the implication that indigenous people are less closer to God than the average non-indigenous person," said Edmund Metatawabin, a former chief of the Fort Albany First Nation in Ontario.

The Guardian

She is perceived as being less close to her father than his other adult children.

The Guardian

I am less close to them, because they are always coming and going.

The New Yorker

He is less close to his Democratic counterpart on the House's tax-writing Ways and Means Committee, the more liberal Representative Charles B. Rangel of New York.

The New York Times

By the time a man has reached his 40s, as Mr. Ford and Mr. Browne both have, it is probably useful to accept that one is less close to the playhouse than to the grave.

The New York Times

It found that LGBs over 55 are much more likely to be single, live alone, have no children and be less close to their families, compared to the general population.

The Guardian

Although he was less close to Freud in later years, he remained in weekly, sometimes daily contact with Hockney and Auerbach, whose striking portrait, in impasto an inch thick, is also in the sale.

The Guardian

Results indicated that individuals with high EPCD scores at the beginning of the academic school year had less confidence in their choice and were less close to making a decision about the major into which they wanted to be admitted at the end of the year.

Journal of Vocational Behavior

Barnes wrote that Thatcher's position on Europe made her a "one-woman awkward squad," but he was cautious about singling Europe out as the sole reason for her downfall: Perhaps what occurred was less close to Shakespeare and Nietzsche than it was to a marriage that runs out of steam and hits the divorce court.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are less close to", ensure that the context clearly defines what the comparison is being made to. For example, specify what other entity or standard the subject is less close to.

Common error

Avoid using "are less close to" when you mean a complete absence of connection. This phrase implies some connection, however weak, so choose another phrase if there is none.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are less close to" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, indicating a relative lack of proximity, connection, or similarity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Examples show it describing relationships, physical distances, and conceptual similarities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are less close to" serves to describe a comparative lack of proximity or connection, as validated by Ludwig. It functions as a comparative adjective phrase and is commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While grammatically sound, it is important to use this phrase accurately, ensuring the comparison is clear and appropriate for the intended meaning. Alternatives like "are more distant from" may be considered for nuanced differences in conveying separation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not as close to

This alternative directly replaces "less close" with a negative construction, maintaining similar meaning.

are more distant from

This alternative uses the word "distant" to convey a greater degree of separation, either physically or emotionally.

have a weaker connection to

This focuses on the strength of the connection rather than proximity.

are further removed from

This alternative implies a greater degree of separation or detachment.

are not as intimately connected to

This alternative suggests a lack of deep or personal connection.

are less affiliated with

This alternative refers to a formal association or alliance that is weaker.

are not as strongly linked to

This focuses on the strength of the association or dependency.

are not as tightly bound to

This suggests a looser connection or a less restrictive association.

have a more tenuous relationship with

This suggests a fragile or unstable connection.

are on more distant terms with

This alternative focuses on the nature of the relationship between people.

FAQs

How can I use "are less close to" in a sentence?

Use "are less close to" to indicate a diminished relationship, physical proximity, or conceptual similarity compared to something else. For example: "They "are less close to" their families" or "The results "are less close to" the observed parameters".

What is a more formal way to say "are less close to"?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "are more distant from" or "have a weaker connection to". These options convey a sense of separation or diminished relationship in a more sophisticated manner.

Which is correct: "are less close to" or "are not as close to"?

Both "are less close to" and "are not as close to" are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. The choice often depends on stylistic preference or the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "are less close to" and "are estranged from"?

"Are less close to" implies a weaker connection or a distancing, while "are estranged from" suggests a complete breakdown in a relationship, often involving animosity or formal separation. Estrangement is a stronger and more definitive state.