close knit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close knit" is correct and is used in written English.
It usually means that a group of people, family, or friends have a strong bond with each other. For example, “The Johnson family is very close knit, always spending time together.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"It's very close knit.

The New York Times

"We're a close knit club.

BBC

We are a very close knit family.

BBC

Sports teams are often close knit and supportive social groups.

WikiHow

Yep, they're a close knit bunch here.

The Guardian - Sport

Pick a close knit group of reliable friends.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

A close-knit summer colony.

The New Yorker

They seem really close-knit.

The New Yorker

"It's real small, close-knit.

The New York Times - Sports

"Is it close-knit?

The New Yorker

It's too close-knit".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "close knit" to describe not only people but also abstract concepts like teams or relationships to convey a strong connection and interdependence.

Common error

Avoid using "close knit" to describe isolated or exclusive groups, as it typically implies warmth and mutual support, rather than exclusion or secrecy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close knit" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective. It modifies nouns (like family, community, or group) to indicate a strong sense of unity, intimacy, and mutual support. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "close knit" effectively describes groups characterized by strong bonds and mutual support. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various writing contexts, though more common in news and general interest articles than in formal academic writing. When using "close knit", ensure that it accurately reflects the positive, supportive nature of the group being described. Consider alternatives like "tightly bonded" or "closely connected" to fine-tune your meaning. The phrase is considered uncommon but is certainly well-understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tightly bonded

Replaces "knit" with "bonded", emphasizing the strength of the connection.

closely connected

Focuses on the connection aspect, using "connected" instead of "knit".

strongly united

Highlights the unity and strength of the group or relationship.

intimately linked

Emphasizes a deep and personal connection between individuals.

deeply rooted

Suggests connections formed over time and are difficult to break.

inseparable

Indicates that the entities are unable to be parted or disjoined.

thick as thieves

An informal idiom meaning very close and loyal to each other.

birds of a feather

Describes people who are similar, especially in sharing bad qualities.

joined at the hip

Suggests being extremely close and spending almost all of your time together.

bosom buddies

Implies a very intimate or affectionate friendship.

FAQs

How do I use "close knit" in a sentence?

You can use "close knit" to describe families, communities, or groups with strong relationships, as in "They are a "close knit family"" or "It's a "close knit community" where everyone knows each other."

What are some synonyms for "close knit"?

Alternatives to "close knit" include "tightly bonded", "closely connected", or "strongly united". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "close knit" the same as "close minded"?

No, "close knit" and "close minded" have completely different meanings. "Close knit" refers to strong social bonds, while "close minded" describes someone unwilling to consider new ideas or opinions.

Can "close knit" apply to non-human entities?

Yes, while often used for people, "close knit" can describe any system with strong interdependencies, such as "a "close knit team"" or "a "close knit partnership"."