at a close range

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a close range" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is observed or experienced from a short distance. Example: "The photographer captured the bird at a close range, allowing for incredible detail in the image."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

And, they say, less-lethal force isn't always appropriate in certain circumstances, especially when a suspect is wielding a weapon at a close range.

The Guardian

Experts say less-lethal force is not always appropriate in certain circumstances, especially when a suspect is wielding a weapon at a close range.

The Guardian

For buckling mode, the results show that tanks with wall thickness at a close range have similar buckling mode behaviour and in case using too thick wall the buckling mode starts to change.

Alexandria Engineering Journal

A Texas woman claims she painfully discovered that during a Houston Astros game July 8, alleging in a $1 million lawsuit against the ballclub that a shirt, fired at a close range by a mascot named Orbit who was using a "bazooka style" cannon, struck her hand and "shattered" her left index finger, resulting in an injury that has required two surgeries.

The Washington Post

"He was badly tortured after being shot at a close range..

BBC

Melee characters attack at a close range, and ranged from afar, while flying are able to travel unbound to terrain.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

2.43pm: Here's another of Seth Wenig's pictures of Zuccotti Park, taken at a closer range.

The Guardian

More than that, the military conducts similar bombing exercises outside nearly 30 communities in the continental United States, almost all of them at a closer range to residents.

The New York Times

Only a loss of control at a close-range scrum prevented the Tigers from capitalising on an extended period of forward pressure but Bourgoin's reprieve was temporary.

The Guardian - Sport

"Growing up in Russia I absorbed the gopnik subculture at a very close range," he told me.

The Guardian

Always test at a fairly close range 6-100 feet, not point blank).

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing observations, use "at a close range" to emphasize the level of detail or clarity obtained due to proximity. For example, "The botanist studied the plant's structure at a close range to identify its species."

Common error

Avoid using "at a close range" metaphorically when referring to abstract concepts or timeframes. Instead of saying "We examined the budget at a close range", use phrases like "We scrutinized the budget" or "We analyzed the budget in detail".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a close range" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to specify the distance from which an action is performed or an observation is made. As Ludwig AI suggests, it emphasizes nearness to something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at a close range" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate physical proximity. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in describing observations and actions performed from a short distance. While versatile, it's best suited for contexts where physical nearness is relevant. More common in News & Media and Scientific writing, the phrase provides a neutral yet descriptive way to specify vantage points, enhancing clarity in communication. Consider alternatives like "nearby" or "in close proximity" for nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

point blank

Describes something said directly or shot at close range.

in close proximity

More formal and emphasizes the nearness of two things.

nearby

Indicates simple proximity without necessarily specifying the degree of closeness.

at short distance

Focuses on the measure of how far apart two things are.

in the immediate vicinity

Implies being very near and surrounding the area of interest.

at hand

Figuratively suggests readily available or nearby.

within earshot

Specifically relates to the distance at which sound can be heard.

side by side

Emphasizes that two things are next to each other.

next door

Generally used for houses or rooms that are adjacent.

nose to nose

Describes two things are very close and facing each other.

FAQs

How can I use "at a close range" in a sentence?

You can use "at a close range" to describe observing something from a short distance, such as "The photographer captured the bird "at a close range"". It is important to use it when physical proximity is relevant.

What are some alternatives to "at a close range"?

Alternatives include "nearby", "in close proximity", or "point blank" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "at a close range" in a metaphorical sense?

While "at a close range" typically refers to physical distance, using it metaphorically can be ambiguous. It's generally better to use more precise language when describing abstract concepts or timeframes, such as "analyzed in detail" or "scrutinized closely".

What's the difference between "at a close range" and "at a short distance"?

Both phrases indicate nearness, but "at a close range" often implies a level of detail or intensity in observation due to the proximity. "At a short distance" ("at short distance") is a more neutral description of physical proximity.