close in time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close in time" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to indicate that two events or phenomena are taking place close together in time, or that one event is near to the other in terms of time. For example, "The two events occurred close in time, just a few days apart."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A time series model generally shows that samples close in time are more closely related.

BMC Genomics

Pairs overturned close in time are often remembered together.

The New York Times - Health

Even the methods of punishment seemed close in time.

The Guardian - Books

That Amendment and the Copyright Clause were adopted close in time.

Harvard University

However, if they come in very close in time, then they will respond.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The genera are likely from distinct, relatively old lineages and may have originated close in time.

Cornell University

The Copyright Clause and First Amendment were adopted close in time.

Harvard University

"Especially with a redemption so close in time to Madoff's arrest".

The New York Times

But technical means and intellectual argument are usually so close in time and sequence as to be interdependent.

The New Yorker

Cai, D. J. et al. A shared neural ensemble links distinct contextual memories encoded close in time.

Nature

We choose to study two pairs of GPS RO, both containing two occultations that occurred close in time and space.

Advances in Space Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events that happened nearly simultaneously, use "close in time" to emphasize the temporal connection.

Common error

Avoid using "close in time" when events are separated by significant durations. Ensure the events are genuinely proximate for accurate communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close in time" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the temporal proximity of events. Ludwig's examples show it's used to relate occurrences, measurements, or processes that happen within a short duration of each other.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

68%

News & Media

18%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close in time" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe events or occurrences that are temporally proximate. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's frequently used in scientific, academic, and news contexts to emphasize the temporal relationship between different events. While alternatives like "nearly simultaneous" or "in rapid succession" exist, "close in time" offers a general and widely applicable way to convey temporal proximity. Remember to use it when describing events that are truly near each other in the timeline to ensure accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close to each other in time

More descriptive and less concise than the original phrase.

in temporal proximity

A more formal and academic way of expressing the same idea.

nearly simultaneous

Emphasizes the events occurring at almost the same moment.

almost at once

Stresses the immediacy and near-simultaneity of the events.

in rapid succession

Focuses on the quick sequence of events.

in quick sequence

Suggests a specific order and speed of events.

shortly thereafter

Highlights a brief delay between the events.

one after the other

Indicates a clear sequential order with minimal delay.

in rapid tempo

Suggests events occurred quickly, maintaining a swift tempo or pace.

in short order

Implies that the events happened quickly and efficiently.

FAQs

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

You can use "close in time" to describe events that occur near each other. For example, "The two discoveries were made "close in time", suggesting a connection between them."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "close in time"?

Alternatives include "nearly simultaneous", "in rapid succession", or "shortly thereafter", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "closely in time" instead of "close in time"?

The correct phrase is "close in time". "Closely in time" is not a standard or idiomatic expression.

What's the difference between "close in time" and "in the near future"?

"Close in time" refers to events that are near each other, either past or future. "In the near future" refers specifically to events expected to happen soon from the present moment.