close encounter with

USAGE SUMMARY

"close encounter with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which two people or things have been in very close proximity. For example, "The hikers had a close encounter with a bear in the woods."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

That includes a close encounter with Rosfeld.

The Washington Post

Putin followed his close encounter with birds with a close encounter with sea life.

The Guardian

A close encounter with cats begins my writing day.

The Guardian - Books

Everybody has a story about a close encounter with disaster.

The New York Times

Left: In Africa, Tony Barnosky had a close encounter with some rhinos.

University of California, Berkeley

Mr. Rosado said he did not fear another close encounter with the police.

The New York Times

In his memoir he recalled his close encounter with the father who had abandoned him.

The New York Times

Wildlife sightings don't come more impressive than a close encounter with a leopard.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

—Louis Menand "Hamlet" was responsible for my first up-close encounter with a naked man.

The New Yorker

The Voyager missions perfected the technique of using a close encounter with a planet to boost the spacecraft's speed.

Cornell University

In 1996 Bev discovered racist Ron's adulterous Close encounter with Jackie Corkhill.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "close encounter with" to describe events where proximity and interaction are significant, particularly when conveying a sense of excitement, danger, or unique experience. For example, "The researcher had a close encounter with a new species of insect."

Common error

Avoid using "close encounter with" in purely abstract or metaphorical contexts where actual physical proximity or direct interaction is absent. It is more appropriate for tangible experiences or interactions. For example, avoid saying "He had a close encounter with failure" if it simply means he experienced failure; instead, use a more fitting phrase like "He faced failure."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close encounter with" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb to describe a situation involving proximity or interaction. As stated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing experiences with animals, people, and even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close encounter with" is a versatile phrase used to describe situations involving proximity and interaction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and academic writing. It conveys a sense of immediacy and often implies excitement or significance. To enhance your writing, use it to effectively describe experiences where physical closeness or direct engagement are key. Be mindful of overusing it in purely abstract contexts, as it is most effective when describing tangible interactions. Remember that while alternatives such as "direct interaction with" and "near proximity to" exist, the choice depends largely on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

direct interaction with

Emphasizes the act of interacting directly, rather than just being near.

near proximity to

Focuses on the physical closeness or nearness to something.

immediate experience of

Highlights the personal and direct experience of something.

personal brush with

Indicates a brief or casual experience or meeting.

face-to-face meeting with

Suggests a personal and often formal meeting or confrontation.

proximate engagement with

Highlights active involvement and closeness.

brief proximity to

Highlights temporal (brief) and spatial (proximity) components.

intimate contact with

Implies a deeper, more personal connection or touch.

hands-on experience with

Highlights practical and direct involvement.

adjacent exposure to

Focuses on being exposed to something due to physical adjacency.

FAQs

How can I use "close encounter with" in a sentence?

Use "close encounter with" to describe a situation where someone or something experiences being in close proximity to someone or something else. For example, "The tourist had a "close encounter with a lion" on safari."

What's the difference between "close encounter with" and "near miss with"?

"Close encounter with" suggests an actual, though possibly brief, interaction or experience. "Near miss with" implies that a potentially dangerous or negative event was narrowly avoided. The terms are not interchangeable.

Are there synonyms for "close encounter with"?

Yes, depending on the context, you could use phrases like "direct interaction with", "near proximity to", or "personal brush with" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to use "close encounter with" in a business context?

Yes, but ensure it fits the tone and situation. For example, "The company had a "close confrontation with" new regulations" is appropriate if it accurately describes the situation.