close in overhead

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close in overhead" is not standard and may be unclear in written English.
It could be used in contexts related to finance or budgeting, but it would need more context to be fully understood. Example: "We need to close in overhead to ensure we stay within our budget for the project."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Pine boughs close in overhead.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

We had to duck occasionally to avoid branches of myrtle and bay closing in overhead and, as we passed, grabbed a few bay leaves to crush in our hands -- an aromatic pick-me-up.

The New York Times - Travel

Roger can close in tight on the net and I've seen him miss quite a few overheads going back.

The Guardian - Sport

Other analyses, examining cancer incidence in children living close to overhead powerlines (Bunch et al, 2014) have found a similar pattern of raised risks evident in earlier decades (Draper et al, 2005) reducing over a similar time span.

British Journal of Cancer

First one and then two more Israeli-made Kfir fighter jets roared close overhead, in all their lethal import.

The New Yorker

Interviews with residents living in close proximity to overhead power lines reveal that they associate non-specific health complaints such as tiredness, headaches and neurological problems with exposure to ELF-EMF from nearby power lines [ 9].

BMC Public Health

Last week, however, at a conference in Tucson, Arizona, organised by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Dr Parviz revealed that he was getting close.The lenses are made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the stuff used in overhead projection sheets.

The Economist

One evening, I fished in a stretch that runs through meadows, just above Yellowstone Park, and in a windy, darkening sky, two bald eagles flew close overhead, tussling in the air.

The New York Times - Sports

Government officials point out that they have delivered AUS $370 million in overhead funding since 2009 and will ramp that up to AUS $300 million per year by 2016, for an overhead rate of close to 40%.

Science Magazine

The increase in overhead has been staggering.

Forbes

How much is too much to pay in overhead?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical environment, consider alternatives to "close in overhead" that offer greater clarity. For example, describe specific elements like "branches closing in overhead" rather than using the more abstract phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "close in overhead" in abstract or figurative contexts where it might sound awkward or unclear. Choose more direct and descriptive language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close in overhead" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to describe a spatial relationship where something is both near and above. Ludwig AI notes the phrase is not standard but the individual words are correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "close in overhead" describes something being near and above, often creating a sense of enclosure. While grammatically acceptable, it is not a standard phrase and might benefit from clearer alternatives in many contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is not typical in written English, suggesting more common alternatives. Its usage spans news, science, and wiki sources, indicating a neutral register. Consider clarity and context when using this phrase, opting for more descriptive language when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

come closer overhead

Directly uses the original phrase's structure but replaces "close in" with a synonym.

hover above

Emphasizes the stability of an object in a high position.

loom overhead

Focuses on the imposing or threatening presence of something above.

approach from above

Focuses on the direction of movement and spatial relation.

draw near from above

Implies movement closer from an elevated position.

descend from above

Emphasizes downward movement and a starting point from a higher position.

advance from the sky

Highlights the origin point of something moving closer.

encircle from above

Highlights the action of surrounding an object from a high point.

encroach from above

Focuses on the aggressive nature of closing in from a higher level.

gather from above

Highlights the process of converging to a position overhead.

FAQs

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

You can use "close in overhead" to describe something physically surrounding you from above, such as "Pine boughs close in overhead". However, consider alternatives if clarity is paramount.

What's a more common way to say something is "close in overhead"?

Alternatives include "loom overhead", "hover above", or simply describing the elements that are closing in from above, such as "branches are closing in".

Is it grammatically correct to say "close in overhead"?

While not strictly incorrect, "close in overhead" is an uncommon phrasing. Ludwig AI suggests that while the individual words are used correctly, the phrase itself is not typical in written English.

Are there specific situations where "close in overhead" is more appropriate?

The phrase may be suitable in descriptive writing where you want to create a sense of enclosure or immersion. However, for technical or formal writing, a more precise and common phrase is recommended.