been close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "been close" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a past state of proximity or intimacy between people or things. Example: "We have been close friends since childhood, sharing many unforgettable moments together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It hasn't been close.

The New York Times - Sports

Yes, I've been close.

The New York Times - Sports

"But we've always been close.

The New York Times

There have been close calls.

The New York Times - Sports

They had always been close.

The Guardian

"They have never been close".

The New York Times

They have been close before.

The Guardian - Sport

It hasn't even been close.

Independent

It's been close.

The New York Times

"We've always been close.

The New York Times - Sports

Potentially, they could have been close allies.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing relationships, use "been close" to indicate a history of emotional connection. For example: "They have always been close friends, supporting each other through thick and thin."

Common error

Avoid using "been close" when you intend to express current distance. Ensure the context clearly indicates a past state. Instead use "were once close" or "used to be close" to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been close" functions as a stative verb phrase, indicating a past state of nearness or intimacy. It's often used to describe relationships or achievements that nearly reached completion, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "been close" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase that indicates a past state of nearness or intimacy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in News & Media. When using "been close", ensure the context clearly indicates a past state and consider related phrases such as "been near" or "almost achieved" to add nuance to your writing. Remember, it is a statement about the past; if you want to mention proximity in the present, use "are close".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

been near

Focuses on physical or metaphorical proximity; less specific than "been close".

been nearby

Emphasizes physical proximity in the past.

been intimate

Refers to a close emotional or personal relationship.

been on the verge

Highlights being near a particular state or event.

almost achieved

Indicates nearness to accomplishing a goal.

been just shy of

Expresses being slightly short of a target or goal.

been within reach

Implies that something was almost attainable.

been a hair's breadth away

Highlights how something was only narrowly missed.

been in close proximity

Formally indicates physical nearness.

been tightly knit

Describes a strong and close relationship, often familial.

FAQs

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

The phrase "been close" indicates a past state of nearness, either physically or emotionally. For example, "They have "always been close", sharing secrets and dreams."

What's the difference between "been close" and "are close"?

"Been close" refers to a past relationship, while "are close" indicates a current state of closeness. "They have "been close" since childhood" implies a historical connection, whereas "They "are close" now" suggests their current relationship status.

What are some alternatives to "been close"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include phrases like "been near", "been intimate", or "almost achieved" to convey nearness in different ways.

Is it correct to say "have been closely" instead of "have been close"?

The phrase "have been closely" typically modifies a verb, indicating how something was done, while "have been close" describes a state of being near or intimate. For example, "They have been closely monitored" versus "They have "been close" friends."