close proximity to

USAGE SUMMARY

"close proximity to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a physical nearness, such as two places being very close to each other. For example, "The two towns are in close proximity to each other, and are connected by a bridge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He has a close proximity to art and artists.

The Guardian - Arts

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

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

The Guardian

"And these urban waters are in close proximity to so many people".

The New York Times

Consider the effects of a nuclear disaster on those living in close proximity to it.

The New York Times

We never take for granted our pool and our close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.

The New York Times

At a fashion show sitting in close proximity to a celebrity is standard.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The full story is one of glittering achievements – and close proximity to major controversies.

The Guardian

"Our facilities are unbelievable, it's in close proximity to anywhere we go.

The Guardian - Sport

At least two Australians are believed to have been in close proximity to the attacks.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional real estate or business descriptions, this phrase effectively highlights convenience to amenities or transport hubs.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase in very tight, concise writing if space is at a premium. Since 'proximity' inherently means 'nearness', some editors consider 'close' to be redundant. In such cases, simply using 'proximity to' or 'close to' is often more efficient.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close proximity to" functions as a complex prepositional modifier. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to relate a subject to a landmark in space, often appearing as an adverbial phrase (e.g., 'living in "close proximity to" it') or an adjectival phrase (e.g., 'its "close proximity to" the city').

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Social Media

3%

Wiki

1%

Informal Conversation

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "close proximity to" is a highly effective and widely accepted phrase for describing extreme physical nearness. Data from Ludwig AI indicates that it is particularly prevalent in journalistic and scientific writing, where precision and emphasis are required. While stylistic purists may occasionally flag it as redundant because 'proximity' already implies closeness, its usage is firmly entrenched in formal English. It serves as a more authoritative and emphatic version of "close to", making it ideal for reporting on environmental impacts, urban planning or social interactions where distance is a key factor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close to

Removes the redundant 'proximity' for a more concise and direct expression.

near to

Uses a simpler prepositional structure favored in informal contexts.

in the vicinity of

Suggests a general area rather than an exact point of nearness.

adjacent to

Specifies that the objects are likely touching or immediately next to each other.

within walking distance of

Adds a functional dimension of accessibility to the concept of nearness.

neighboring

Functions as an adjective to describe objects that are side-by-side.

alongside

Implies being positioned next to the length of something else.

abutting

A technical or legal term implying shared boundaries or physical contact.

proximal to

A more scientific or anatomical term used to describe relative position.

hard by

An idiomatic, slightly archaic way to describe being very close.

FAQs

Is it correct to say "close proximity to"?

Yes, it is perfectly correct and widely used. While some critics argue it is a pleonasm (redundancy), it remains a standard idiomatic expression in English to emphasize extreme nearness.

What is a simpler way to say "close proximity to"?

You can use simpler alternatives like "close to" or "near" depending on the level of formality you need.

What is the difference between "proximity" and "close proximity"?

Technically, 'proximity' means nearness. Adding 'close' reinforces that nearness, much like saying "very near". It is often used for emphasis in news and scientific contexts.

Can I use "in close proximity with"?

While occasionally heard, the standard preposition is 'to'. You should almost always use "close proximity to" when describing the relationship between two objects or locations.