as close as ever

USAGE SUMMARY

"as close as ever" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
It usually implies that a relationship between two people has remained stable and strong over time despite any difficulties they have faced. Example: She and her sister have stayed as close as ever despite all of the arguments they have had.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

They remained as close as ever.

The New York Times - Sports

They remain as close as ever, their relationship equal parts needling and nurturing.

The New York Times - Sports

The parties are really as close as ever: There is no left and right.

The Guardian - Opinion

To outsiders, who often visited the McCain household, the marriage seemed as close as ever.

The New York Times

After 38 years – the then Joseph Ratzinger was Schönborn's teacher – the two are as close as ever.

The Guardian - Opinion

(A spokesman for Senator Reid later issued a statement denying that Reid was surprised by Schumer's announcement. "Their relationship is as close as ever.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Next Tuesday, the spacecraft will get as close as it ever will to the planet, providing the most detailed images of Pluto NASA has ever taken.

Huffington Post

It was as close as Notre Dame ever got.

The New York Times - Sports

But that was as close as it ever got.

The Guardian - Sport

She was as close as I ever came to having a sister.

The New Yorker

He probably comes as close as he ever does to bristling.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as close as ever" to emphasize the enduring nature of a relationship or bond despite external changes or challenges. It effectively communicates stability and continued affection or connection.

Common error

Avoid using "as close as ever" when referring to a newly formed relationship or bond. This phrase inherently implies a connection that has persisted over a significant period.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as close as ever" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by describing the manner in which a relationship or state persists. It emphasizes the continuation of closeness over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Sports

15%

Books

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as close as ever" is a common phrase used to describe relationships or situations that have remained intimately connected over time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and its prevalence in news, sports, and book sources indicates its broad applicability. It's important to use this phrase when emphasizing the stability and endurance of a connection, as it inherently implies a history of closeness. Alternatives like "as inseparable as always" and "continued to share a strong bond" offer similar nuances, but "as close as ever" carries a unique weight due to its widespread usage and recognition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

As inseparable as always

This alternative suggests a bond that remains unbroken over time, similar to "as close as ever" but emphasizes the constant nature of their togetherness.

Remained as connected as before

Focuses on the sustained connection, implying a previous state of closeness that has been maintained, close in meaning to "as close as ever".

Continued to share a strong bond

This highlights the persistence of a powerful connection, suggesting emotional ties that have endured, mirroring the sentiment of "as close as ever".

Relationship remained intimate

Implies a deep personal connection that has been preserved over time, sharing the essence of sustained closeness found in "as close as ever".

Still very attached

Underscores the enduring emotional connection, indicating that the subjects remain closely linked, echoing the sentiment of "as close as ever".

As friendly as they were

This option refers to sustained friendliness over time, but the implication is only of the friendly relationship, sharing part of the meaning of "as close as ever".

Maintained their affinity

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of their natural liking or attraction, conveying sustained positive feelings like "as close as ever".

Their link persisted

This stresses the continuation of a binding element, suggesting a connection that has withstood time and circumstances, akin to "as close as ever".

As united as always

This highlights a constant state of unity, which is similar in that they both suggest a sustained and harmonious relationship like "as close as ever".

As familiar as ever

Stresses the deep understanding and comfort derived from long-standing relationships, much like the sense of closeness described by "as close as ever".

FAQs

How can I use "as close as ever" in a sentence?

You can use "as close as ever" to describe relationships that have remained strong over time. For example, "Despite the distance, they remained "as close as ever"".

What does "as close as ever" imply about a relationship?

The phrase "as close as ever" suggests that a relationship or bond has maintained its strength and intimacy despite the passage of time or any intervening circumstances.

Which is correct, "as close as ever" or "as close as always"?

"As close as ever" is the idiomatic and more commonly used phrase. "As close as always" is grammatically correct but less conventional. "As close as ever" indicates an ongoing state that has persisted through various experiences.

What can I say instead of "as close as ever" to describe a strong relationship?

Alternatives to "as close as ever" include "as inseparable as always", "remained as connected as before", or "continued to share a strong bond", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.