close proximity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close proximity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe when two or more things are not far apart. For example, "The two countries are in close proximity to each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All live in lethally close proximity.

The New York Times

Beauty and brutality in close proximity.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

These worlds exist in close proximity.

The New Yorker

For some, however, close proximity is not a problem.

The New York Times

Living in close proximity accelerated matters, Ms. Dunning said.

The New York Times - Style

He has a close proximity to art and artists.

The Guardian - Arts

But their close proximity offered striking views to satellites.

The Guardian

I'd always relished working in close proximity to my children.

The Guardian

"You can't treat children in such close proximity to adults".

The New York Times

Two professional couples find themselves living in close proximity.

The Guardian - Film

He doesn't like the close proximity to others".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract relationships, consider whether a more specific term might be more effective. For example, instead of saying "ideas in close proximity", consider "related ideas" or "interconnected ideas".

Common error

Avoid using intensifiers like "very" or "extremely" with "close proximity". The phrase already implies a high degree of nearness, so adding these words is redundant.

Linguistic Context

Close proximity functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an adverbial modifier to describe the spatial relationship between two or more entities. Ludwig examples show its use in both literal (physical closeness) and figurative (conceptual similarity) contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close proximity" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for describing nearness or adjacency, as confirmed by Ludwig. Analysis of numerous examples reveals its widespread use across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business. Although versatile, it's crucial to avoid redundancy by omitting unnecessary intensifiers like "very". While alternatives like "nearness" or "in the vicinity" exist, "close proximity" maintains a unique clarity and level of formality suitable for many writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in close range

This alternative emphasizes the distance aspect, indicating that something is within a limited range.

nearness

This alternative uses a single word to convey the state of being near, offering a more concise option.

in the vicinity

This phrase refers to the area surrounding a particular place or thing, indicating general closeness.

in close quarters

This alternative suggests a situation where space is limited and things are physically close together.

in adjacent location

It emphasizes that two things are right next to each other.

in immediate surroundings

This phrase highlights the area directly adjacent to something, emphasizing the directness of the closeness.

nearby

This is a simple, one-word alternative that signifies being close in distance.

in direct contact

This emphasizes physical touching or immediacy of adjacency.

within reach

This emphasizes not only physical closeness but also accessibility.

side by side

This is suitable when items are literally next to each other.

FAQs

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

You can use "close proximity" to describe physical nearness, such as: "The houses were built in "close proximity" to the beach." It can also describe abstract relationships: "The ideas share a "close proximity" in their underlying principles."

What can I say instead of "close proximity"?

You can use alternatives like "nearness", "in the vicinity", or "nearby" depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it redundant to say "very close proximity"?

Yes, using "very" with "close proximity" is generally redundant. The word "close" already implies a high degree of nearness. It's best to simply use ""close proximity"".

What's the difference between "close proximity" and "adjacency"?

"Close proximity" implies a general nearness, while "adjacency" suggests that things are directly next to each other, sharing a boundary. Adjacency is more specific and indicates a touching relationship.