close to a synagogue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to a synagogue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the proximity of a location or object in relation to a synagogue. Example: "The new community center is conveniently located close to a synagogue, making it accessible for local residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It was too close to a synagogue.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Shortly after meeting with Pazzi at a café near the medieval cathedral, I encountered the seventy-nine-year-old Rabbi Luciano Caro, who had led the Friday night service, perusing the offerings in a bookstore close to the synagogue.

The New Yorker

It was close to the synagogue, and on a high enough floor, the fifth, to avoid some street noise, but not so high that eschewing the elevator on the Sabbath would be unbearably arduous.

The New York Times

Rabbi Ferris wanted to be close to the synagogue, but she also wanted some privacy.

The New York Times

She said most Conservative rabbis lived in parsonages close to the synagogue to give them more options for observing the Sabbath.

The New York Times

A few years ago, when Joakim Garff published "SAK," his monumental biography of Søren Aabye Kierkegaard, I would, on breaks from reading it, bike and walk past some of the places where Kierkegaard lived — on Nørregade, close to the synagogue, the more upscale Bredgade.

The New Yorker

"People want to be close to the synagogues and the Jewish center," Mr. Betesh said, referring to the Sephardic Community Center at Ocean Parkway and Avenue S. "That's why the prices are so high in our area".

The New York Times

"The film shooting is set to take place on several sensitive streets close to synagogues and yeshivas [educational institutions], and the scenes being filmed should have been examined first to make sure they don't offend anybody's sensitivities," the letter reads.

Independent

However, because of the injunction against travel on the Sabbath, most Jewish families stayed relatively close to the historic synagogues.

Wikipedia

"Free Gaza" was spray-painted onto a Brighton synagogue; a "child murderers" sign affixed to a synagogue in Surrey.

The Guardian - Opinion

I don't belong to a synagogue.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing real estate or housing options, use "close to a synagogue" to emphasize the convenience for individuals or families who prioritize religious observance.

Common error

Avoid using "close to a synagogue" when the location is not genuinely near. Ensure there's a reasonable proximity, whether walkable or easily accessible, to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to a synagogue" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate proximity or nearness. As Ludwig confirms, it's commonly used to describe the location of something in relation to a synagogue.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close to a synagogue" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate proximity to a synagogue. Ludwig confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase. It is commonly found in news articles, real estate descriptions, and general discussions regarding community features. Alternative phrasing includes "near a synagogue" and "adjacent to a synagogue". While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, its use often implies the importance of religious observance and community access. Common errors include exaggerating the actual proximity. Ensure that the location is truly nearby to maintain accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

near a synagogue

Replaces "close to" with the synonym "near", offering a more concise alternative.

adjacent to a synagogue

Uses "adjacent to" to emphasize the immediate nearness of something to a synagogue.

located near a synagogue

Uses "located near" to describe the position of something in relation to a synagogue.

in proximity to a synagogue

Employs a more formal tone by using "in proximity to" instead of "close to".

situated close to a synagogue

Employs "situated close to" as a more descriptive way to indicate nearness.

a short distance from a synagogue

Specifies the nearness in terms of distance.

in the vicinity of a synagogue

Uses "in the vicinity of" to denote a surrounding area around a synagogue.

within walking distance of a synagogue

Highlights that the location is easily accessible by foot from a synagogue.

a stone's throw from a synagogue

Uses an idiomatic expression to emphasize the close distance to a synagogue.

just around the corner from a synagogue

Indicates the location is very near and easily accessible, implying it's nearby.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "close to a synagogue"?

Being "close to a synagogue" typically means a location is nearby and easily accessible. This can be important for individuals and families who regularly attend services or participate in synagogue activities.

What are some alternatives to saying "close to a synagogue"?

You can use alternatives like "near a synagogue", "adjacent to a synagogue", or "in the vicinity of a synagogue" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How important is it to live "close to a synagogue" for observant Jews?

For many observant Jews, living "close to a synagogue" is essential because Jewish law restricts travel on the Sabbath and certain holidays. Proximity allows them to attend services and participate in community events without violating these restrictions.

Is it more common to say "close to the synagogue" or "close to a synagogue"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and understandable. "Close to the synagogue" implies a specific synagogue that is known or has been previously mentioned, while "close to a synagogue" refers to any synagogue in general.