close to all

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to all" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate proximity or similarity to a large group or majority of people or things. Example: "The new policy is designed to be beneficial and close to all members of the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

He was close to all of them.

The New York Times

LE You're close to all of them.

The Guardian

JF Close to all of them.

The Guardian

We're firing pretty close to all cylinders".

The New York Times - Sports

We get so close to all that Obama described.

The New Yorker

Something happened, and close to all at once.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Equities remain close to all-time highs.

The Economist

The two countries appear perilously close to all-out conflict.

The Economist

The local dispute came close to all-out war.

The New York Times

Spreads on Argentina's foreign bonds remain close to all-time highs.

The Economist

STOCKMARKETS may be close to all-time highs but that hasn't eliminated final salary pension deficits.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "close to all", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you mean physical proximity or a conceptual closeness. This will help avoid ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "close to all" when you specifically mean "all". While similar, "close to all" implies near totality, not absolute totality. Using "all" ensures there's no room for misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to all" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating nearness, approximation, or a high degree of inclusivity. According to Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

24%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close to all" is a versatile phrase indicating nearness or approximation to a comprehensive group, deemed grammatically sound by Ludwig AI. It sees frequent use across various domains, particularly in news, science, and general writing. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure that the context clearly defines whether proximity or near totality is intended. For those seeking alternatives, "near to all" or "proximate to all" offer viable substitutes. Remembering these nuances will empower writers to deploy "close to all" with precision and confidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

near to all

Expresses physical proximity or conceptual closeness to everything or everyone.

proximate to all

Similar to 'near to all' but suggests a more formal or technical context of nearness.

adjacent to everything

Emphasizes being directly next to or adjoining all items or aspects.

in proximity to all

Highlights the state of being nearby or in the vicinity of everything.

in the neighborhood of all

Indicates a broader sense of closeness, suggesting a general vicinity rather than direct contact.

not far from all

Implies that the distance to everything is minimal or insignificant.

within reach of all

Suggests that everything is easily accessible or attainable.

almost all

Indicates a quantity or degree that is nearly complete or comprehensive.

virtually all

Similar to 'almost all' but conveys a sense of being practically or effectively complete.

nearly every

Emphasizes the extent of inclusion, indicating that almost all individual items are covered.

FAQs

How can I use "close to all" in a sentence?

You can use "close to all" to describe physical proximity, such as "The hotel is "close to all" the major attractions" or to indicate a near-complete state, like "Close to all the tickets have been sold".

What's the difference between "close to all" and "almost all"?

"Close to all" can refer to physical nearness or a near-complete state, while "almost all" typically refers to a quantity that is nearly complete. The best choice depends on the specific context.

Are there any formal alternatives to "close to all"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "proximate to all" or "in close proximity to all" to maintain a professional tone.

Can "close to all" be used to describe emotional relationships?

Yes, "close to all" can describe emotional closeness within a group, such as "She felt "close to all" her teammates after the challenging season".