as close as possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as close as possible" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an adverbial phrase used to indicate that something should be done to the highest degree of accuracy or to the greatest extent possible. For example, "Please try to complete the project as close as possible to the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Snuggles as close as possible to you.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cut off any bolt heads as close as possible.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Absolutely no intention to drop this as close as possible.

The Guardian - Sport

So how do you keep it as close as possible?

The Guardian

Can you get me physically as close as possible?

The New York Times

"We've stayed as close as possible to our original formulation".

The New York Times - Food

Hire a 4x4 to get as close as possible.

The Guardian - Travel

He ventured to get as close as possible.

The Guardian - Books

"Let's try to get as close as possible without infringing".

The New York Times - Tech

Position the materials in hoods and BSC's as close as possible to avoid extended reaching.

University of California, Berkeley

Raise, incline and move microscopes as close as possible to keep your head upright.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for precision, clarify what "as close as possible" refers to. For instance, specify "as close as possible to the original color" or "as close as possible to the target date".

Common error

Ensure the context makes it clear what is being approached "as close as possible". Vague usage can lead to misinterpretation. Provide specific reference points.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as close as possible" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the degree to which an action should be performed. It is typically used to emphasize the importance of achieving maximum proximity, accuracy, or similarity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

20%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as close as possible" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to convey the importance of maximizing proximity, accuracy, or similarity. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and general writing. To avoid ambiguity, ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being approached "as close as possible". Alternative phrases, such as "to the greatest degree" or "as nearly as can be", can be used depending on the desired tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as near as can be

Replaces 'possible' with a more informal and emphatic expression, focusing on nearness.

as accurately as achievable

Shifts the focus to accuracy and achievability, emphasizing a realistic goal.

to the greatest degree

Replaces the spatial 'close' with a general emphasis on maximizing the degree of something.

to the nearest approximation

Focuses on approximation and nearness, suitable for contexts involving estimations.

in the immediate vicinity

Emphasizes physical proximity and immediacy, suitable for spatial contexts.

as good as any

Changes the focus to the quality and sufficiency of the result, rather than the degree of closeness.

in intimate proximity

Uses more formal language, emphasizing the closeness and personal nature of the proximity.

virtually adjacent

Emphasizes near adjacency, indicating that it is almost but not quite touching.

within spitting distance

An idiomatic expression conveying very close proximity in an informal way.

in very close range

Emphasizes the concept of a close distance, particularly in a physical sense.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "as close as possible" to sound more formal?

Consider using more formal alternatives such as "to the greatest degree" or "to the nearest approximation" depending on the context.

What does "as close as possible" mean?

It means aiming for the highest degree of accuracy, proximity, or similarity that can be achieved in a given situation. It implies an attempt to minimize any discrepancy or difference.

Is there a difference between "as close as possible" and "as close as practicable"?

"As close as possible" emphasizes striving for the absolute nearest point, while "as close as practicable" suggests achieving nearness within the limits of what is feasible or reasonable.

How to use "as close as possible" in a sentence?

You can use it to modify verbs, adjectives or adverbs. For instance: "Try to align the edges "as close as possible"", or "We aim to replicate the conditions "as close as possible" to reality".