close the distance between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close the distance between" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe two things coming together, or being brought closer together. For example: "The two countries worked together to close the distance between their cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Björk often uses the second person to close the distance between herself and others.

The New Yorker

She also wants to close the distance between non-Arabs and locals.

The Economist

In early spring, before the Jane magnolia tree bloomed, I set off to close the distance between the me of now and the me of then.

The New Yorker

Now I think that Tron's story, and its rich accompanying photos, were my first encounter with journalism and its power to close the distance between people.

The New Yorker

SEVERAL good strokes of the kayak paddle, or even the doggie-paddle, can close the distance between Edgartown and Chappaquiddick, the small island off Martha's Vineyard.

The New York Times - Travel

No, we misuse the only language we have to close the distance between us in order to maintain the very falsehoods that strand us in flimsy private myths.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

What closes the distance between a well-received novel and a literary phenomenon?

The New Yorker

"Captain Phillips," a movie that insistently closes the distance between us and them, has a vital moral immediacy.

The New York Times

He came out of the store, then quickly closed the distance between himself and the man confronting the mother of his children and shoved Drejka to the ground.

The Washington Post

Despite their extraordinary intimacy, the two men address each other in a hollowly familiar way that never actually closes the distance between them.

The New Yorker

Once companies have a clear destination, they need to focus on closing the distance between where they are now and where they want to be, she says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "close the distance between" when you want to emphasize the act of reducing a gap, whether physical or metaphorical, to create a sense of connection or unity.

Common error

Avoid using "close the distance between" when a more precise verb like "connect", "merge", or "link" would be more appropriate. The phrase is best when the reduction of distance is a key element.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close the distance between" functions as a verb phrase, often acting as a predicate in a sentence. It describes an action taken to reduce separation, whether physical or metaphorical. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a valid and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close the distance between" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes reducing a separation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is particularly prevalent in News & Media contexts, serving to express the reduction of physical or metaphorical gaps to foster connection or understanding. While versatile, be mindful of its specific meaning to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives like "bridge the gap" or "bring closer together" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bring closer together

Highlights the act of uniting or fostering closeness, suitable for relationships or entities.

reduce the separation

Directly addresses minimizing the state of being apart, applicable to both physical and abstract concepts.

bridge the gap

Focuses on filling a void or disparity, often used in abstract contexts like ideologies or skill sets, rather than literal physical space.

lessen the space between

Emphasizes diminishing the interval or area that separates two things or people.

narrow the divide

Emphasizes reducing a significant separation or disagreement, often used for opinions or groups.

draw nearer

Implies a gradual movement towards closeness, often used in a physical or emotional sense.

foster understanding

Focuses on promoting empathy and comprehension between individuals or groups, often used in social or political contexts.

build rapport

Emphasizes establishing a harmonious relationship based on mutual trust and understanding.

connect the dots

Metaphorically means to establish a logical connection between different pieces of information or ideas.

unite

Stresses the act of joining together as a single entity, often used in political or social contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "close the distance between" in a sentence?

You can use "close the distance between" to describe reducing physical separation, as in "Technology helps to "close the distance between" loved ones", or metaphorical gaps, as in "Education can "close the distance between" ignorance and understanding".

What are some alternatives to "close the distance between"?

Alternatives include "bridge the gap", "narrow the divide", or "bring closer together", depending on the specific context and the type of separation being addressed.

Is it better to say "close the distance between" or "reduce the distance between"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Close the distance between" might suggest a more complete or intentional reduction of space than "reduce the distance between".

In what contexts is "close the distance between" most appropriately used?

"Close the distance between" is suitable in contexts where physical proximity, emotional connection, or conceptual understanding are being improved. It works well in discussions of relationships, communication, and learning.