came closer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "came closer" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts, but generally describes something physically moving nearer to something else. Example: As she approached the edge of the cliff, her heart raced and her legs became weak. She took a deep breath and slowly came closer, peering over the edge to get a better view of the breath-taking view below.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The shots came closer.

The New Yorker

The worker came closer.

The New Yorker

My sister and I came closer.

The New Yorker

But when he came closer, he grimaced.

The New York Times - Books

(They came closer with the nail polish).

The New York Times

He came closer on Monday.

The New York Times

The unknown car came closer.

The Guardian - Opinion

A faraway roar came closer.

The New Yorker

The Fever never came closer.

The New York Times - Sports

No one came closer to stopping 9/11.

University of California, Berkeley

In small steps, scientists came closer to their target.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "came closer", consider whether a more specific verb like "approached", "neared", or "advanced" might provide a clearer or more vivid description.

Common error

Avoid using "came closer" when referring to abstract concepts where "approached" or "resembled" might be more appropriate. For instance, instead of saying 'The theory came closer to the truth', consider 'The theory more closely approximated the truth'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "came closer" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating movement or progression toward a specific point or goal. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage across various contexts, highlighting its versatility in describing both physical and abstract scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

17%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "came closer" is a very common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe movement or progress towards a physical or abstract goal. Ludwig AI indicates that its versatility makes it suitable for diverse contexts, primarily within News & Media, Academia, and Science. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to select the most precise verb to enhance clarity. Consider alternatives such as "approached", "neared", or "advanced" for greater specificity. Avoid redundancy by using "came closer" instead of "came more closer". Ludwig's examples provide valuable insights into its appropriate and varied applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

neared

Concise way to express approaching in distance or time.

got closer

A more informal way to indicate a reduction in physical or metaphorical distance.

approached nearer

Emphasizes the act of moving physically closer, highlighting a diminishing distance.

drew nearer

Suggests a gradual and often deliberate movement toward something.

stepped closer

Highlights a deliberate action of reducing the distance by taking a step.

advanced closer

Highlights forward movement, often in a strategic or purposeful manner.

progressed nearer

Focuses on the incremental improvement and reduction of distance or abstract progress.

closed in

Emphasizes encirclement or reducing the space around something.

moved into proximity

More formal, emphasizing the state of being physically near something.

converged

Describes the action of multiple entities coming together at one point or location.

FAQs

How can I use "came closer" in a sentence?

You can use "came closer" to describe physical movement, such as "As the car "came closer", I could see the driver's face", or to describe progress toward a goal, such as "The team "came closer" to finding a solution after the experiment".

What are some alternatives to "came closer"?

Some alternatives include "approached", "drew near", "neared", or "got closer". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "came more closer"?

No, "came more closer" is redundant. "Closer" already implies a comparative degree. The correct phrase is ""came closer"".

What's the difference between "came closer" and "approached"?

"Came closer" implies a reduction in distance, while "approached" simply means moved towards. "Came closer" suggests a change, while "approached" is a statement of direction.