be close by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be close by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is nearby or in close proximity. Example: "I will be close by if you need any assistance during the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

If she gardens, tools will be close by.

The New York Times

"He peppered me with questions," Natalie recalled, "mostly because I happened to be close by".

The New York Times

He said to me he wanted to be close by my side.

The New Yorker

He also has family concerns; his wife is disabled, he said, and he needs to be close by.

The New York Times

Even after Lily marries Robert in June 1913, she assumes that Warren will still somehow always be close by.

The New York Times - Books

They said they had to be close by the building, but we did move 'em to a parking lot".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Bonus: Bierkraft is close by!

Huffington Post

However, the HDSO algorithm only tests PBSs one by one, there can be close-by PBSs all with low load, some PBSs act as acceptor PBSs to take over the transferred UEs which can be far from the respective PBSs and occupy more RBs than before.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

There always seem to be close-by parameters that lead to a different model, confirming similar observations in a recent related work [48].

Plosone

But it is close-by in Netanya.

The New York Times

Particular pleasures are ones that are close-by or sure.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be close by" when you want to emphasize physical proximity or availability. It suggests that someone or something is near and can be easily reached or accessed.

Common error

Ensure the context clearly indicates what "close by" refers to. If the reference point is unclear, specify the location or person you're describing to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be close by" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating proximity or nearness. It describes the location or availability of someone or something in relation to another entity. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is widely accepted and used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be close by" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase that indicates proximity and availability. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is both grammatically correct and widely used. Its neutral register allows it to be employed across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and general conversation. Related phrases, like ""be nearby"" or ""be in the vicinity"", offer alternatives for expressing similar ideas. Remember to ensure clarity in your writing by specifying what "close by" refers to, as this will help to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be in the vicinity

A more formal way of saying "be nearby", indicating the general area.

be in proximity

Replaces "close by" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing spatial closeness.

be just a short distance away

Explicitly states that the distance is small, providing a clearer sense of nearness.

be within reach

Indicates that something is not only near, but also accessible or attainable.

be situated nearby

Indicates that something is located in close proximity, focusing on location.

be within close range

Emphasizes that something is near enough to be easily affected or interacted with.

be just around the corner

Implies that something is very near and easily accessible, often used figuratively.

be easily accessible

Focuses on the ease of reaching a place or object, implying nearness.

be a stone's throw away

Suggests a very short distance, easily traversable.

be in close attendance

Refers to being closely present or accompanying someone, often implying support or assistance.

FAQs

How can I use "be close by" in a sentence?

You can use "be close by" to indicate physical proximity. For example, "I'll be close by if you need any help" or "The store is close by, just a few blocks away."

What does "be close by" mean?

"Be close by" means to be physically near or in close proximity to someone or something. It implies that you are easily accessible or within a short distance.

What can I say instead of "be close by"?

Alternatives to "be close by" include phrases like "be nearby", "be in the vicinity", or "be within reach", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "be close by"?

Yes, "be close by" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English to indicate that someone or something is located near.