close fitting

USAGE SUMMARY

"close fitting" is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
For example, you could say: "She wore a close fitting dress to the wedding."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Science & Research

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

They are ankle-high, lack laces and are close fitting.

WikiHow

Not so tight that they hurt your feet, but they should be close fitting.

WikiHow

Zinc oxide used in close fitting trays and to reline existing dentures provided more accurate impressions of fitting surfaces.

Nature

Don't confuse "sharply tailored" with close fitting – they are not the same thing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The sound field inside small close fitting machinery enclosures differs from that in a room.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Intubation failed in one rabbit and a close fitting mask (Galemed with connector, Kruuse svenska AB) was used instead.

BMC Veterinary Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

He's dressed in a close-fitting gray suit and tie, and minus his trademark hat with an upturned brim.

Forbes

Or close-fitting and female?

The New Yorker

Use long underwear or other close-fitting pajamas.

Harvard University

He wears his luck like a close-fitting glove.

The New Yorker

The array consisted of overlapping circular surface coils laid out on a close-fitting coil-former.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing clothing, use "close fitting" to indicate a garment that closely follows the body's contours without being excessively tight or restrictive. Consider the context: for technical gear, it might imply efficiency; for fashion, it could mean stylish and modern.

Common error

Don't use additional adjectives that reiterate the tightness of the fit, such as "very close fitting" or "extremely close fitting". The phrase already implies a snug fit, so adding intensifiers can sound repetitive and detract from your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close fitting" functions primarily as a compound adjective to describe nouns. As shown by Ludwig, it modifies nouns to specify a particular type of fit or adherence. The Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Wiki

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science & Research

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close fitting" is a common and grammatically correct compound adjective used to describe how snugly something adheres to a surface or form. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from describing clothing in fashion to specifying the dimensions of machinery enclosures in scientific articles. When using the phrase, it's best to avoid redundant adjectives and ensure the context clarifies the intended degree of closeness. Alternative phrases, such as "tight fitting" or "form fitting", may offer more precise descriptions depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tight fitting

Replaces 'close' with 'tight', emphasizing the snugness of the fit.

snug fitting

Uses 'snug' to describe a comfortable and close fit.

form fitting

Highlights how the item conforms to the shape of the body or object.

well fitted

Indicates that the item has been tailored or designed to fit precisely.

closely tailored

Implies a higher level of precision in the fit, often used for clothing.

skintight

Suggests a very tight fit, almost like a second skin.

body hugging

Emphasizes how the item clings to the body's contours.

figure hugging

Similar to body-hugging, but specifically refers to clothing that accentuates the figure.

trim fitting

Indicates a sleek and streamlined fit, without excess fabric.

second skin fit

Emphasizes the feeling of the garment being as close as your own skin. It indicates a very tight fit.

FAQs

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

You can use "close fitting" to describe clothes, covers, or other items that fit snugly. For example, "She wore a "close fitting dress" to the party" or "The lid was "close fitting lid", ensuring the food stayed fresh".

What's the difference between "close fitting" and "tight fitting"?

"Close fitting" implies a snug fit that follows the contours of the object or body without being overly restrictive. "Tight fitting" suggests a much firmer, sometimes uncomfortable fit that might restrict movement.

Are there other phrases I can use instead of "close fitting"?

Yes, depending on the context, you could use phrases like "form fitting", "snug fitting", or "well fitted".

Is "close-fitting" considered more formal than "close fitting"?

Both "close fitting" and "close-fitting" are acceptable. Using the hyphenated form, "close-fitting", is generally considered more formal and is preferred in some style guides, especially when used as a compound adjective before a noun, for example "a "close-fitting dress"".