becoming close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "becoming close" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the process of developing a closer relationship or bond with someone over time. Example: "As we spent more time together, I felt us becoming close friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You do!" Simone soon befriended Hughes, and through him she dove into the beating heart of that era's young black intelligentsia, becoming close to both James Baldwin and Lorraine Hansberry, who would become godmother to Simone's daughter.

The New York Times

The first time you meet, instead of being all smiles and wanting to become friends right away, there has to be some formality, some conversation, before gradually becoming close.

The New York Times - Food

Mr. Hertz and Ms. Doss worked on the boat for months, becoming close friends, before acknowledging any romantic undercurrents.

The New York Times

In fact, they suffered more than we did from becoming close to guests who then left after a few months.

The Guardian - Books

Eventually they discovered a shared interest in computing, and started playing Minecraft together, becoming close that way.

The Guardian - Tech

He spent a decade and a half moving up the hierarchy of the A.N.C., becoming close to the trade unions and Communists on the party's left.

The New Yorker

She also mentions becoming close friends with Henriette Gottschalk, née Rothschild, whom she called "Oma," or "Grandmother," before Henriette, too, died.

The New Yorker

The actors were married for two years and together for 12 years after becoming close while filming 2005's Mr & Mrs Smith.

The Guardian - Film

As a result, he wanted his supporters to be careful about becoming close allies with the jihadists, officials familiar with the document said.

The New York Times

They ended up becoming close, even collaborating on a play (swapping drafts via e-mail) that was staged at the Boulder International Fringe Festival.

The New York Times - Magazine

Because our class is smaller than the Fall-entry class, I have come to know a large portion of our class in addition to becoming close to my cluster-mates in Cluster X19.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "becoming close", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the type of relationship or proximity you're describing. Be mindful of whether you intend to convey emotional intimacy, physical proximity, or a professional connection.

Common error

Avoid using "becoming close" in highly formal or professional settings where a more objective or distanced tone is appropriate. Opt for phrases like "establishing a working relationship" or "developing professional ties" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "becoming close" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as a noun within a sentence. It describes an ongoing process of developing intimacy or affinity. Ludwig examples show it used to describe developing friendships, romantic relationships, or professional alliances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "becoming close" is a versatile phrase used to describe the process of developing a deeper relationship or connection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. While predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, it's important to consider the context and opt for more formal alternatives in professional settings. Remember to use "growing closer", "developing intimacy", or "forming a bond" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

growing closer

Emphasizes the gradual nature of developing a closer relationship.

developing intimacy

Focuses on the emotional and personal aspects of the relationship.

forming a bond

Highlights the creation of a connection between individuals.

strengthening ties

Suggests reinforcing an existing relationship or connection.

forging connections

Implies actively creating new relationships or links.

building rapport

Focuses on establishing a harmonious and understanding relationship.

cultivating friendship

Suggests nurturing and developing a friendship over time.

drawing nearer

Emphasizes physical or emotional proximity.

fostering closeness

Implies actively encouraging a closer relationship.

closing the distance

Suggests reducing the gap between individuals or entities.

FAQs

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

You can use "becoming close" to describe the process of developing a stronger relationship, such as "They spent a lot of time together, eventually becoming close friends".

What are some alternatives to "becoming close"?

You can use alternatives like "growing closer", "developing intimacy", or "forming a bond" depending on the context.

Is "becoming close" formal or informal?

"Becoming close" is generally considered neutral to informal. In more formal contexts, consider using "developing a relationship" or "strengthening ties".

What's the difference between "becoming close" and "getting acquainted"?

"Becoming close" implies a deeper, more intimate relationship, while "getting acquainted" refers to the initial stages of meeting someone and learning about them.