close officials

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close officials" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to officials who are closely associated with or have a close working relationship with someone, often in a political or organizational context. Example: "The president met with his close officials to discuss the new policy changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Long Island College Hospital, a community hospital that has for years been losing patients and revenue in a gentrifying neighborhood of Brooklyn, could soon close, officials said Wednesday.

The New York Times

The new suspects are likely to be tried in Serbia, not in The Hague, because the tribunal will soon close, officials said.

The New York Times

The Hague tribunal issued an indictment against Mr. Milosevic and four of his close officials in May 1999 while the war was still going on.

The New York Times

With the initial 10-year agreement quickly coming to a close, officials at A&M said the benefits to both the Aggies and the Qataris have exceeded expectations, and they have already begun to plan for the next 10 years.

The New York Times

In choosing which of the 278 parks to close, officials worked to keep open those with the most attendance and historical significance, as well as those that bring in the most revenue.

The New York Times

While the post-election turmoil boiled on in Florida, in other states where the vote was close, officials continued to examine vote totals, and Republicans and Democrats considered whether to seek recounts.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

With a deal agonizingly close, official Washington still prepared for the worst.

The New York Times

With the threat of huge cuts agonizingly close, official Washington was prepared for the worst.

The New York Times

More than £26 million has been cut from lavatory budgets in the past five years, forcing hundreds to close, official figures show.

The Times

Cooperation with Washington on law enforcement operations has become much closer, officials of both nations say.

The New York Times

Over the last 18 months, at least 200 restaurants, tour companies and travel agencies have closed, officials say.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "close officials", ensure the context clearly establishes the nature and reason for their closeness. Are they close due to shared ideology, long-standing relationships, or professional collaboration?

Common error

Avoid using "close officials" excessively in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more specific titles or roles (e.g., "senior advisors", "chief strategists") to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close officials" functions as a noun phrase, where "close" modifies the noun "officials". It generally acts as the subject or object in a sentence, referring to a specific group of people. Ludwig AI identifies its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close officials" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as verified by Ludwig AI, that refers to officials with a close working relationship to someone in authority. While not extremely common, it's appropriate for neutral and professional contexts, such as news reporting. When writing, ensure the context clearly defines the nature of their closeness and consider alternatives like "key advisors" or "inner circle" for specific nuances. Avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. The phrase primarily appears in news and media, highlighting its role in describing relationships within government and organizations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inner circle

Refers to a small group of people very close to a leader or important person. Changes focus from officials to the group dynamic.

inner circle

Focuses on the group dynamic and the closeness to a central figure.

chief advisors

Highlights the advisory role and the high rank of these officials.

key advisors

Emphasizes the advisory role and importance of the officials. More specific than "close officials".

top aides

Focuses on the assistance provided by the officials, suggesting a hierarchical structure. Less formal.

trusted confidants

Highlights the element of trust and confidentiality. Adds an emotional aspect.

senior staff

Indicates a level of seniority and professional status. More generic.

inner sanctum

This phrase suggests a more private and protected group, often involved in sensitive matters. More figurative.

lieutenants

Implies a direct line of command and delegation of authority. More militaristic.

right-hand men

Emphasizes the indispensable nature of these officials. Gender-specific and somewhat informal.

FAQs

What does "close officials" mean?

"Close officials" refers to individuals who are closely associated with a leader or organization, often possessing significant influence and trust.

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

Example: "The president consulted with his "close officials" before making the final decision."

Are there alternatives to using the phrase "close officials"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "key advisors", "inner circle", or "senior staff", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "close officials" formal or informal language?

"Close officials" is generally considered neutral language, suitable for news reports and general discussions. However, in more formal or academic contexts, more specific terms may be preferable.