close ones

USAGE SUMMARY

"close ones" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to people who are close to you, such as friends and family. For example, "I want to spend more time with my close ones this holiday season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

3 6 However, terrorism may have detrimental effects not only on those directly exposed, but also on their close ones, particularly their parents.

BMJ Open

We've kept on winning close ones".

The New York Times - Sports

Foreign languages sometimes have grammar that is very similar to another one, but even close ones can have very unique grammar patterns, such as English and German.

WikiHow

"It's very sad and we feel very sorry for what's going on, especially with her close ones," he said.

BBC

We have many black friends, including several close ones, but none whom we see on a regular basis.

Huffington Post

If we had won six gold medals - we had two close ones - then you could say 'what on earth do you do next?'".

BBC

I couldn't disclose who had rented the property, because of the risk of repercussions to my close ones, so I had to take the sentence on the chin.

The Guardian - Sport

"Especially when the game is on the line, we've been able to win the close ones".

The New York Times - Sports

Call the close ones in.

The New York Times

We had a couple real close ones.

The New York Times - Sports

I can't take all these close ones.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "close ones", consider the context. It's most appropriate when referring to people with whom you share a deep emotional connection or familial bond.

Common error

Don't use "close ones" when you can be more specific. Instead of saying "I'm worried about my close ones", specify who you're concerned about, like "I'm worried about my family" or "I'm worried about my parents".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close ones" functions as a collective noun phrase, referring to people who are emotionally near or significant in one's life. Ludwig AI shows this usage is common across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

32%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close ones" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase, serving as a collective noun to denote individuals with whom one shares a significant emotional connection. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is applicable across various contexts but is particularly prevalent in news media and scientific publications. To ensure precision, consider specifying the relationship type (e.g., family, friends) when possible, rather than relying solely on the general term "close ones". Alternatives include "loved ones", ""dear ones"", and ""intimate companions"", each carrying slight variations in connotation. While generally acceptable, formal writing may benefit from more precise substitutes. By considering the specific context and intended nuance, writers can effectively utilize "close ones" while avoiding vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

near ones

Emphasizes physical or emotional proximity instead of the value of the relationship.

dear ones

Focuses on affection and emotional value.

loved ones

Highlights the aspect of love and affection in the relationship.

intimate companions

Emphasizes the deep connection and familiarity between individuals.

inner circle

Implies a select group of people with privileged access and influence.

closest associates

Focuses on professional or working relationships with high importance.

nearest relations

Stresses familial ties and lineage.

significant others

Specifically denotes romantic partners.

personal confidants

Highlights the trust and sharing of secrets between individuals.

trusted friends

Focuses on the aspect of reliability and trustworthiness in the friendship.

FAQs

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

You can use "close ones" to refer to family members, partners, and friends you have strong relationships with. For example, "I enjoy spending holidays with my "close ones"".

What are some alternatives to "close ones"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "loved ones", "dear ones", or "intimate companions".

Is it correct to use "close ones" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "close ones" might be considered informal. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "nearest relations" or ""intimate companions"".

What's the difference between "close ones" and "closest ones"?

"Close ones" generally refers to people with whom you share a strong bond. "Closest ones" emphasizes the degree of nearness or intimacy, suggesting a more exclusive group within your close relationships.