close embrace

USAGE SUMMARY

"close embrace" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a situation where two people are holding each other tightly, often conveying intimacy or affection. For example, "They shared a close embrace as they reunited after years apart." Alternative expressions include "tight hug" and "intimate hold."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Relationships

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Surely they have been in a close embrace.

The Guardian - Books

For both men, the close embrace of their party establishments may damage them with voters.

The Economist

It is held entirely within the edges of its close embrace.

Independent

At times, the relationship has veered between close embrace and secularist recoil.

The Economist

Any independent network would be free to choose which other networks it wants to trust in a close embrace.

The Economist

With the floor to themselves, the two dancers occupied all of it, even though they almost never broke their close embrace.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

At a recent class Mr. Segura and Mr. Gazenbeek watched closely as same-sex couples practiced the syncopated strides, close embraces and entwined legs of traditional Argentine tango.

The New York Times - Arts

Supporters say the Hunters Point project could take a disconnected section of the city — whose remoteness was enhanced by decades of Navy occupation — and draw it and its poorer residents into a closer embrace with the rest of the city.

The New York Times

The generals have not been moved by ever-tighter economic restrictions and diplomatic pressure, which have been undermined by continuing trade from Myanmar's neighbors and have pushed the country into a closer embrace with its biggest trade partner, China.

The New York Times

Couples walk closer, embrace tighter and kiss longer.

Huffington Post

Over the year they had developed into longer, closer embraces that sometimes finished with a slippery kiss on my cheek, or even neck, since Dr. Field was shorter than me.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "close embrace" to depict not only physical closeness but also emotional intimacy between people, or a tight binding between concepts or entities.

Common error

While "close embrace" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or technical writing where more precise language may be required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close embrace" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. It vividly describes a physical action (hugging) and implies an emotional connection. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is valid.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Arts

11%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close embrace" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to depict physical and emotional closeness. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's suitable for a wide range of contexts, especially in news and media, and the arts. While versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal writing, opting for more specific synonyms when necessary. When you need to convey a deep and intimate connection, "close embrace" is a reliable and evocative choice. Related alternatives include "tight hug" and "warm embrace", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tight hug

Focuses on the physical act of hugging tightly, emphasizing the physical closeness.

warm embrace

Highlights the feeling of warmth and affection conveyed by the embrace.

fond embrace

Emphasizes the loving and caring nature of the embrace.

intimate hug

Stresses the deep emotional connection and closeness between the individuals.

tender embrace

Indicates the gentle and caring quality of the embrace.

loving embrace

Directly conveys the feeling of love and affection expressed through the embrace.

heartfelt embrace

Highlights the sincerity and emotional depth of the embrace.

firm hug

Focuses on the strength and security felt in the embrace.

bear hug

Implies a very tight and enveloping hug, often playful or affectionate.

clinch

A more informal term suggesting a tight hold or embrace, sometimes in a romantic context.

FAQs

How to use "close embrace" in a sentence?

"Close embrace" is used to describe a tight and intimate hug, or a close connection between things. For example: "They shared a close embrace after the long separation."

What can I say instead of "close embrace"?

You can use alternatives like "tight hug", "warm embrace", or "loving embrace" depending on the context.

What does "close embrace" mean?

It refers to a hug where two people hold each other tightly, expressing affection, love, or comfort. It can also metaphorically describe a strong connection or alliance.

Is "close embrace" a formal or informal phrase?

It's generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for most contexts, but very formal or technical writing might benefit from a more precise synonym.