close quarters

USAGE SUMMARY

"close quarters" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation where people have limited space, such as in an overcrowded apartment or a crowded bus. For example, "We were forced to live in close quarters during our first year of college."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Close quarters?

The New York Times

And we're watching at close quarters.

The New York Times - Arts

Finally, he does not dislike close quarters.

The New Yorker

There would be fighting at close quarters.

The New Yorker

Good manners are everything in close quarters.

The New Yorker

"Passion," you see, thrives in close quarters.

The New York Times

I know about it at close quarters.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"Delivers intense, close-quarters combat," according to Activision's press release.

The Guardian - Tech

He had witnessed close-quarters combat and killings.

The New Yorker

Close-quarters hide and seek?

TechCrunch

Never run when you're in close-quarters.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical environments or living arrangements, use "close quarters" to effectively convey the sense of limited space and potential intimacy or discomfort. For example, describe the living spaces on a submarine as "close quarters" to highlight the restricted environment.

Common error

Avoid using "close quarters" when you simply mean "nearby" or "adjacent". The phrase specifically implies a confined space and the resulting interaction or tension from that confinement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close quarters" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as an adverbial to describe the conditions or environment in which an action takes place. Ludwig examples show it describing living conditions, combat situations, and social interactions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

11%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close quarters" is a common noun phrase used to describe situations involving limited space and often implying a resulting impact on the occupants or activities within that space. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase appears frequently in news and media, as well as in wiki content, indicating its broad applicability. The phrase is grammatically sound, and according to Ludwig AI, is appropriate for use in a variety of contexts. When employing this phrase, remember to consider not only the literal spatial constraint but also the implied consequences of that constraint, such as increased interaction or potential conflict. While "close quarters" is versatile, make sure the context genuinely calls for a description of spatial confinement, distinguishing it from mere proximity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited space

A general term for a small amount of room.

small area

A general term for a reduced amount of space.

confined space

Focuses on the limited area available.

limited room

Highlights the scarcity of space to move around.

tight space

Emphasizes the difficulty of movement due to limited room.

small confines

Similar to "confined space" but with a slightly more formal tone.

restricted area

Emphasizes limited access due to the reduced amount of room.

cramped conditions

Highlights the discomfort associated with limited space.

close proximity

Focuses on the nearness of objects or people.

intimate setting

Suggests a setting where people are physically close and potentially familiar.

FAQs

How is "close quarters" used in a sentence?

"Close quarters" describes situations with limited space. For example: "Living in "close quarters" on the ship led to some tension among the crew."

What are some alternatives to saying "close quarters"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "confined space", "cramped conditions", or "tight space".

Is "close quarters" formal or informal?

"Close quarters" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

What does "close quarters" imply beyond just physical space?

Beyond physical limitation, "close quarters" often implies increased interaction, potential for conflict, or a heightened sense of intimacy due to the forced proximity of people or objects.