came up close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "came up close" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of approaching someone or something in proximity, often to observe or interact more closely. Example: "As the storm approached, the photographer came up close to capture the dramatic clouds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Locals say the river once came up close to the top of the road bridge but now it dribbles past, metres below.

Independent

"He'd say, as he came up close to me.

The New York Times - Books

Someone – most likely a nightwatchman – came up close, peered at them and then went away.

The Guardian - Books

The dancers came up close to the single row of chairs along the walls of the theater and stared into our eyes.

The New York Times - Arts

In another horrendous incident on the evening of 29 September 2004 a US marine convoy was travelling on a road near Saqlawiya, west of Baghdad, when a car came up close behind, in spite of hand and other signals from the soldier in the rear Humvee to stay further back.

The Guardian

Annabelle Harle, who "could be any one of numerous McGowan-haired young women in Grosvenor Square", was a 17-year-old protest veteran by May 1968, "but that was the first time I came up close to police horses, and I still find them intimidating and an unwise choice for crowd control.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"No one says, 'He's been inside'?" He came up closer, threatening.

The New Yorker

When he saw that Kirillov was still breathing, Gordeyev came up closer and shot him again, killing him, a student told his mother, who repeated the account.

Los Angeles Times

Our playback procedure of distant neighbour song mimicked a group member leaving its territory and attempting to come up closer to the tested male.

Plosone

When Bandongo comes up close, I want to hug him.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Coming up close behind were the equally celebrated Danny Boyle (nine), Mike Leigh (eight) and Stephen Frears (eight).

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "came up close" to vividly describe someone or something getting physically closer, creating a sense of intimacy, threat, or curiosity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "came up close" when a simple "approached" will suffice. "Came up close" implies a deliberate or significant reduction in distance, not just any movement towards something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "came up close" functions as a verb phrase indicating a physical action of approaching someone or something. It emphasizes the act of reducing the distance to a point of proximity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "came up close" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe a physical approach. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It’s most commonly found in news and media, but can also be used effectively in informal and scientific contexts. When writing, consider whether the nuance of a deliberate or significant reduction in distance is important; otherwise, a simpler verb like "approached" might be more appropriate. Remember to utilize the phrase to add depth and imagery to your descriptions, enhancing the reader's sense of proximity and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approached closely

Emphasizes the act of approaching with a focus on the small distance.

moved closer

Focuses on the action of reducing the distance.

drew near

Highlights the gradual reduction of distance between two entities.

got closer

Simple and direct, indicating a reduction in distance.

neared

A more formal term for approaching.

advanced upon

Suggests a deliberate or strategic approach.

closed in

Implies surrounding or reducing the space around something.

approached

A more general term for moving towards.

stepped up to

Suggests approaching with purpose, often confronting.

edged closer

Highlights a slow, cautious approach.

FAQs

What does "came up close" mean?

The phrase "came up close" indicates that someone or something moved nearer to another person or object, often implying a specific intention or impact from the reduced distance.

How can I use "came up close" in a sentence?

You might say, "The security guard "approached closely" to inspect the package" or "The child "got closer" to the puppy to pet it."

What are some alternatives to "came up close"?

Consider using phrases like ""approached closely"", "drew near", or "moved closer" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "came up close"?

While grammatically correct, "came up close" can sound redundant if the context already implies a close distance. Using a simpler verb like "approached" might be more effective.