close in

USAGE SUMMARY

"close in" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe something coming nearer, or to describe a group of people or animals gathering around an area. For example: "The soldiers started to close in on the enemy camp."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even Ford may close in on GM.

Forbes

Then they close in.

The New York Times

Wealth's walls close in.

The New York Times

Nominations close in February.

Independent

(It may close in August).

The New Yorker

Then the Indians would close in.

The New York Times

"Haven't even come close in some cases".

The New York Times

The two are close in age.

The New York Times - Arts

"It was very close in the end.

Independent

Security guards began to close in.

The New Yorker

So Tempelhof will probably close in October.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "close in" to create a sense of impending action or increasing pressure in your writing. For example, "As the deadline closed in, the team worked tirelessly."

Common error

Avoid using "close in" to describe static or unchanging subjects. "The building closes in" is awkward; instead, use it for dynamic actions like "The police closed in on the suspect."

Linguistic Context

Close in primarily functions as a phrasal verb. It describes actions of approaching, surrounding, or the nearing of a deadline. Ludwig highlights its versatility across contexts, reinforcing its grammatical role in conveying movement or temporal proximity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close in" functions as a versatile phrasal verb signifying approach, encirclement, or the nearing of a deadline. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correct grammatical standing and its frequent usage across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. To maximize clarity, avoid applying it to static subjects. The guidance suggests it is important to avoid common errors and appreciate its nuanced application. This ensures effective communication whether describing physical proximity or temporal urgency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

draw nearer

Implies a gradual approach, often emphasizing reduced distance.

encircle

Focuses on the act of surrounding or forming a circle around something.

surround

Similar to encircle but can also mean to generally be all around something.

converge

Highlights the meeting or joining of multiple entities at a single point.

move closer

A simple and direct way of expressing reduced distance.

approach

General term for moving closer; lacks the intensity of "close in".

encroach upon

Suggests a gradual intrusion or infringement.

gather around

Emphasizes the collective gathering of individuals near a central point.

narrow the gap

Refers to reducing a distance or difference, often in a competitive context.

come to an end

Indicates the approaching termination of a period or event.

FAQs

How is "close in" used in a sentence?

"Close in" is a phrasal verb used to describe the act of drawing nearer, often implying encirclement or the approach of a deadline. For instance, "The detectives began to "close in" on their prime suspect".

What does "close in" mean when referring to dates?

When referring to dates, "close in" signifies that a deadline or specific date is approaching rapidly. For example, "The application deadline is "closing in" fast".

Are there alternative phrases to "close in" that convey a similar meaning?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "draw nearer" when describing physical proximity or "approach" for deadlines or events.

How does the meaning of "close in" change based on context?

The meaning shifts subtly depending on the context. In a tactical situation, it means to encircle or reduce the area, while in a temporal context, like deadlines, it signifies an impending end or limit.