close like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close like" is not correct or usable in written English.
If you want to convey the same sentiment, you could say something like "closely resembling" or "similar to". For example: "The sculpture he created was close like the real thing." -> "The sculpture he created was closely resembling the real thing."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

(Depending on your approach, the shape seems to open or to close, like a mouth).

The New Yorker

"Up close like this".

The New Yorker

"Really close, like almost there".

The New Yorker

And we're so close, like sisters.

The New York Times - Sports

Very close, like a couple of inches.

The New York Times - Magazine

Living together makes you close like that.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

We are very close -- like family".

The New York Times

The two of them have stayed close - like sisters, really.

The Guardian

After getting to know the family, Blackwell told HuffPost that the five of them are very close -- like best friends.

Huffington Post

Sitting on a bench, Clarissa holds her purse close 'like an infant'.

The Guardian - Books

As she stood up, I watched her face close like the shutting of a pocketbook.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To improve the structure of your writing, consider rephrasing sentences using more grammatically accepted comparisons.

Common error

Avoid using "close like" when comparing objects or concepts. Instead, use established comparative phrases like "as close as" or "similar to" to ensure correct grammar and enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close like" functions as a comparative expression, attempting to draw a parallel between two entities. Ludwig AI indicates that while it appears in various contexts, it is often grammatically questionable and should be approached with caution.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close like" is a comparative expression used to indicate similarity, but Ludwig AI marks it as potentially grammatically incorrect. While relatively common, especially in news and media sources, it is often better to replace it with clearer alternatives such as "similar to" or "resembling" for enhanced clarity and grammatical correctness. Using more precise language will make your writing stronger and more effective. For formal contexts, it is better to use "as close as" or direct comparisons instead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

similar to

Emphasizes resemblance rather than proximity.

resembling

Highlights the similarity in appearance or nature.

akin to

Suggests a close relationship or similarity in quality.

comparable to

Focuses on the ability to compare the two things.

much like

Implies a strong degree of similarity or likeness.

in the manner of

Focuses on the way something is done, resembling another.

in a similar fashion

Indicates a resemblance in the method or style.

along the lines of

Suggests a general similarity or direction.

approximating

Focuses on a result coming near a particular value, quantity, or quality.

reminiscent of

Evokes memories of something similar.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "close like"?

You can use alternatives like "similar to", "resembling", or "akin to" depending on the context.

How can I rephrase a sentence that uses "close like" to improve its grammar?

Instead of saying something is "close like" something else, try using a direct comparison: "It is as close as..." or "It is similar to...". This makes the sentence more grammatically sound.

Is "close like" grammatically correct in formal writing?

No, "close like" is generally considered grammatically incorrect for formal writing. It's best to use more precise and accepted phrases such as "similar to" or "resembling".

What's the difference between "close like" and "similar to"?

"Close like" is often used informally to indicate a resemblance, but it's not grammatically standard. "Similar to" is a more formal and grammatically correct way to express the same idea, indicating that two things share common characteristics.