become close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become close" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when referring to two people or groups forming a strong relationship. For example, "After years of difficult negotiations, the two countries became close allies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You become close as people.

The New York Times - Sports

Since then, the three have become close.

The Economist

The two kickers have become close.

The New York Times - Sports

You didn't become close after that?

The New York Times - Magazine

Our families have become close.

The Guardian

Derrick and Glen Beck, however, had become close friends.

The New Yorker

Even their wives have become close friends.

The New York Times - Sports

They have become close friends of Mazie's.

The New Yorker

But by August we had become close.

The Guardian - Music

Oh, I don't think you could become close with Lauren.

The New York Times - Magazine

James Newman become close to Ms. Harrington as well.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become close" in academic writing, ensure that it's followed by specific examples or evidence to support the claim of a developing relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "become close" as a vague statement. Provide specific details about the shared experiences, mutual interests, or events that led to the development of the relationship. For instance, instead of saying "They became close," specify "They became close after working together on the project."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become close" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating a change in the state of a relationship. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used to refer to two people or groups forming a strong relationship. It describes the process of developing intimacy or affection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

18%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Science

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "become close" is a versatile phrase used to describe the gradual development of a strong relationship between individuals or groups. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It functions as a verb phrase, indicating a change in the state of a relationship, and its primary communicative purpose is to describe the evolution of connections. While it exhibits a neutral register, it is predominantly found in news and media sources, as well as in academic and Wiki contexts. To improve your writing, ensure you provide specific context around the closeness, and consider alternatives like "grow closer" or "develop a bond" for nuanced expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

form a close relationship

More explicit about the type of relationship being formed.

grow closer

Emphasizes the gradual process of becoming close over time.

develop a strong bond

Focuses on the emotional connection aspect of becoming close.

forge a connection

Highlights the act of creating a relationship.

build rapport

Focuses on establishing a harmonious and understanding relationship.

get to know each other well

Emphasizes the process of familiarization that leads to closeness.

draw nearer

Focuses on reducing physical or emotional distance.

converge

Implies movement toward a common point or agreement.

achieve proximity

Highlights the attainment of closeness, whether physical or emotional.

cultivate intimacy

Suggests a deliberate effort to create a deep and personal connection.

FAQs

What does "become close" mean?

The phrase "become close" means to develop a strong emotional connection or intimate relationship with someone. It implies a deepening of understanding and affection over time.

How can I use "become close" in a sentence?

You can use "become close" to describe how relationships develop, such as: "They "became close" after spending several years as roommates".

What are some alternatives to "become close"?

Alternatives to "become close" include phrases such as "grow closer", "develop a bond", or "form a close relationship", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "become close" or "get close"?

"Become close" and "get close" are similar, but "become close" implies a more gradual and meaningful development of a relationship, while "get close" can sometimes suggest a more immediate or superficial connection. The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.