be in close proximity to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be in close proximity to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the physical closeness or nearness of one object or person to another. Example: "The school is located to be in close proximity to the park, making it a great place for children to play after classes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ms. Gara said the wording about the private space needing to be "in close proximity" to the employee's work area is vague, providing employers with very little guidance.

The New York Times

"It was important to be able to hunker down and focus behind closed doors, but be in close proximity to each other so we could collaborate," Arora, leader of the Modern IT Innovation Group, said.

BBC

To be effective, police forces must be in close proximity to the citizens they serve.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He said he was happy to be in close proximity to his elderly parents.

The New York Times - Travel

"The No. 1 comment was that the wastebasket should be in close proximity to the door," Ms. Barber said.

The New York Times - Food

You need to have the right cutting guides, and you need to be in close proximity to the factory.

The New York Times

There were, of course, security concerns: how was it possible, with all the control measures, for such a person to be in close proximity to world leaders?

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's for people who need to be in close proximity to the hospital complex," said Michael Gutnick, senior vice president for finance at Sloan-Kettering.

The New York Times

(Clinton seems fated to be in close proximity to men who both assist her career and undermine it through their alleged sexual impropriety).

The New Yorker

He was given a special lapel pin that identified him to the Secret Service as someone who was allowed to be in close proximity to the president.

The New York Times

If I'm being honest, though, maybe I just don't like the idea of saying "I live above a sports bar", as if I've chosen to be in close proximity to the dudely, preppy jocks.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be in close proximity to" when you want to emphasize the nearness or adjacency of two things, especially when precision is needed. For example, in technical or scientific writing, it can provide a more formal and accurate description than simply saying "near".

Common error

While "be in close proximity to" is generally acceptable, avoid using it in informal contexts where a simpler term like "near" or "close to" would be more appropriate. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be in close proximity to" functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating the spatial relationship between two entities. It specifies that one entity is located near or adjacent to another. Ludwig AI confirms that is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be in close proximity to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that functions as a prepositional phrase to describe spatial relationships. While acceptable in many contexts, it is best suited for situations where precision is valued, such as technical or scientific writing. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of the phrase and provides examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and BBC. Consider using simpler alternatives like "near" or "adjacent" in less formal settings. This phrase is found most often in scientific and news contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be near to

This alternative uses a simpler word to express the same concept of physical closeness.

be adjacent to

This suggests a direct bordering relationship, implying a shared boundary.

be in the vicinity of

This implies a surrounding area rather than direct contact, suggesting a slightly broader range.

be in the neighborhood of

This phrase is more informal and suggests a general area rather than precise closeness.

be within reach of

This suggests that something can be easily accessed or contacted.

be a stone's throw from

This idiom indicates a short distance, emphasizing ease of access.

be hard by

An archaic term signifying nearness or closeness.

be cheek by jowl with

An idiomatic expression for being very closely adjacent.

be impinging on

Suggests a bordering or overlapping relationship.

be connected to

Expresses the idea of physical link or connection.

FAQs

How can I use "be in close proximity to" in a sentence?

You can use "be in close proximity to" to describe the physical closeness of two objects or locations. For example, "The wastebasket should "be in close proximity to" the door."

What are some alternatives to "be in close proximity to"?

Some alternatives include "be near to", "be adjacent to", or "be in the vicinity of", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "be in close proximity to" or "be near to"?

The choice depends on the context. "Be near to" is simpler and more informal, while "be in close proximity to" is more formal and precise. Use the latter when you need to emphasize the closeness in a technical or scientific setting.

Can "be in close proximity to" be used for abstract concepts?

While primarily used for physical closeness, "be in close proximity to" can sometimes be used metaphorically for abstract concepts. However, this usage should be carefully considered to ensure clarity and avoid awkwardness. It's usually better to reserve it for concrete situations.