close by

USAGE SUMMARY

"close by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a nearby location or someone who is near. For example, "I saw a restaurant close by when I drove down Main Street."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Bonus: Bierkraft is close by!

Huffington Post

We live close by.

The New York Times

Not close by.

The New Yorker

Fayed was walking close by.

The New York Times - Sports

Cows grazed dangerously close by.

The New York Times - Travel

A fish leaps close by.

Independent

The female usually close by.

The New Yorker

London Luton International Airport is close by.

Independent

The car was parked close by.

The New Yorker

His dog, Presto, was also close by.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Looking for a close-by parking space?

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "close by" to clearly indicate that something is located in the immediate vicinity, avoiding ambiguity about the distance. For example, "There's a great cafe close by the museum."

Common error

Avoid using "close by" when a more specific preposition like "next to", "near", or "beside" would provide clearer information about the relative positions. For instance, instead of "The chair is close by the table", specify "The chair is next to the table" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close by" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate proximity or nearness in location. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is both correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close by" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase that indicates nearness or proximity. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, but also in Wiki and Academic contexts, it serves to provide spatial context and clarify the location of something in relation to another. While generally neutral in register, ensure its use adds clarity and specificity to your writing, avoiding over-reliance when more precise prepositions might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "nearby" or "in close proximity" for variety and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearby

Single word alternative with identical meaning.

in close proximity

More formal and slightly more emphatic about the nearness.

just around the corner

Idiomatic expression suggesting very close proximity and ease of access.

within reach

Implies that something is not only near but also easily accessible or attainable.

a stone's throw away

Idiomatic expression emphasizing short distance.

in the vicinity

Formal term indicating general nearness without specifying exact distance.

at hand

Suggests something is readily available and easily accessed due to its proximity.

not far off

Informal way of saying something is relatively near.

a short distance away

More descriptive, specifying a small amount of separation.

within spitting distance

An informal and exaggerated way to emphasize extreme closeness.

FAQs

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

You can use "close by" to indicate proximity. For example, "Is there a gas station "near by"?" or "My parents live "nearby", so I visit them often."

What words can I use instead of "close by"?

Alternatives to "close by" include "nearby", "in close proximity", "a stone's throw away", and "in the vicinity". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "close by" grammatically correct?

Yes, "close by" is grammatically correct and commonly used as a prepositional phrase to indicate nearness or proximity.

What is the difference between "close by" and "near"?

While both "close by" and "near" indicate proximity, "close by" often suggests a slightly shorter distance or a more immediate vicinity than "near". You might say "The store is near the school", but "There's a park close by my house".