close match

USAGE SUMMARY

"close match" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means something or someone that is almost identical or very similar to something else. Example: The candidate's qualifications were a close match to the job requirements, making her a top contender for the position.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a close match throughout.

The New York Times

This could be a close match.

The New York Times

It was a close match.

The New York Times - Sports

We had a close match.

The Guardian - Sport

"That will mean it's a close match".

The Guardian - Sport

"It was a close match," Roddick said.

The New York Times - Sports

It's not like beating McEnroe in a close match.

The New York Times - Sports

In a close match Austria defeated Germany by 11.

The New York Times - Arts

"I definitely expect another close match," Williams said.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Kerper acknowledged being overzealous sometimes during a close match.

The New York Times

But can you quit whining about this genuinely close match?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "close match", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being compared and the nature of their similarity. For instance, specify if it's a close match in color, size, or performance.

Common error

Avoid using "close match" when the similarity is only superficial or minor. Use weaker terms like "somewhat similar" or "vaguely resembles" when the likeness is not substantial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close match" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a predicate nominative or object of a preposition, describing a high degree of similarity or correspondence between two or more things. As per Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close match" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that signifies a high degree of similarity or correspondence. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and common usage. It finds frequent application in news, science, and formal business contexts to describe near-identical likenesses. While alternatives such as "near equivalent" or "almost identical" exist, the best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey. When using the phrase, be mindful not to overstate the degree of similarity if the likeness is only superficial. Overall, "close match" remains a versatile and reliable phrase for indicating a strong resemblance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost identical

Highlights the near-perfect similarity, suggesting only minor differences.

near equivalent

Emphasizes the equivalency being nearly complete, focusing on the degree of equivalence.

tight correlation

Highlights the statistical relationship between two variables, implying a strong connection.

strong resemblance

Focuses on visual or superficial similarities.

striking similarity

Emphasizes that the similarity is easily noticeable or remarkable.

very similar

A general alternative, emphasizing the likeness in a straightforward manner.

comparable

Stresses the ability to compare due to shared characteristics.

good fit

Suggests suitability or compatibility, often in the context of matching requirements.

near approximation

Focuses on the accuracy of an estimation or representation.

similar pattern

Highlights the likeness in the arrangement or sequence of elements.

FAQs

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

You can use "close match" to describe a high degree of similarity between two things. For example, "The candidate's skills were a "close match" to the job requirements" or "The experimental results showed a "close match" with the theoretical predictions."

What are some alternatives to "close match"?

You can use alternatives like "near equivalent", "almost identical", or "strong resemblance" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "close match" or "perfect match"?

"Perfect match" implies an exact correspondence, while "close match" suggests a high degree of similarity but not necessarily a complete overlap. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the degree of similarity.

What's the difference between "close match" and "good fit"?

"Close match" generally refers to the degree of similarity between two things, whereas "good fit" implies suitability or compatibility for a particular purpose. For example, a "close match" in color might not be a "good fit" for a specific design project.