close to a school

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to a school" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the proximity of a location or object in relation to a school. Example: "The new apartment complex is conveniently located close to a school, making it ideal for families with children."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

How close to a school can a dispensary be?

The New Yorker

His store is not within the banned 250m range close to a school.

The Guardian

Many educators condemned the arrest that occurred so close to a school.

The Washington Post

Living close to a school doesn't always translate into being able to send your child there.

The Guardian

"We lived close to a school and every day there was a mob waiting outside my house.

The Guardian - Sport

One entrepreneur hoped to open a cannabis spa in Denver but her proposed location was deemed too close to a school.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

After speaking to coffee-shop owners--one of whom has to close his shop because he's technically too close to a school-we went to a weed festival and visited the home and greenhouse of Doede de Jong, one of the country's few outspoken growers.

Vice

Intense!" But around McGrath the mood was closer to a school field trip taken in the care of a permissive history teacher.

The New Yorker

Ms. Badger, 47, had moved her family from an apartment in Manhattan to be closer to a school for her daughter Lily, who had special educational needs, according to the family member.

The New York Times

Anyone who moves closer to a school (particularly a secondary) on conception of their child is really stupid.

BBC

The algorithm finds a school in PISA that is closest to a school in TALIS based on a chosen metric of "distance".

Large-scale Assessments in Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing real estate or zoning regulations, use "close to a school" to clearly indicate proximity restrictions, for instance, when discussing where certain businesses can operate.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by specifying the exact distance when possible. Instead of just saying "close to a school", provide the distance in feet or meters for clarity, especially in legal or regulatory contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to a school" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb by indicating spatial proximity. It's often used to describe the location of something in relation to a school, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples regarding zoning regulations and residential preferences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "close to a school" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate proximity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, highlighting its frequency across various sources, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, specifying the exact distance and understanding potential positive or negative connotations can improve clarity in writing. Alternative phrases like "near a school" or "adjacent to a school" offer slight variations in meaning that may be more suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Near a school

Direct synonym, indicating physical proximity.

In proximity to a school

More formal way of expressing nearness.

Adjacent to a school

Implies immediately next to or adjoining.

In the vicinity of a school

Indicates being in the general area.

Located nearby a school

Focuses on the location aspect of being close.

A stone's throw from a school

Idiomatic expression for short distance.

Within walking distance of a school

Emphasizes the ease of reaching the school on foot.

Just around the corner from a school

Suggests very close proximity, typically in a neighborhood context.

Not far from a school

Simple negation of distance.

A short distance from a school

Similar to 'not far', but slightly more specific about the length of the distance.

FAQs

What does "close to a school" mean?

The phrase "close to a school" means that something is located near a school, generally within a short distance or easy access. The exact distance considered "close" can depend on context, such as zoning laws or personal preferences.

Which is correct, "near a school" or "close to a school"?

Both "near a school" and "close to a school" are correct and widely used. They have very similar meanings, with "close to a school" perhaps implying a slightly shorter distance.

What can I say instead of "close to a school"?

You can use alternatives like "near a school", "in proximity to a school", or "adjacent to a school" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

How does being "close to a school" affect property values?

Being "close to a school" can positively or negatively affect property values depending on various factors. For families with children, it can be a desirable feature, increasing value. However, some may find the increased traffic and noise levels undesirable, potentially decreasing value.