close to being elected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to being elected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone who is near to achieving election to a position, such as a political office. Example: "After the final debate, the candidate felt confident that they were close to being elected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

In 1990, she came close to being elected state comptroller.

The New York Times

Mr. Fortuyn's acerbic rhetoric and flamboyant persona brought him improbably close to being elected prime minister.

The New York Times

Next year might be: Craig Biggio, who came close to being elected this year, will be on the ballot again, with Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and Frank Thomas, along with managers like Bobby Cox, Joe Torre and Tony La Russa.

The New York Times - Sports

Pole led by a wide margin after the first scrutinium, or vote, and he would come very close to being elected.

Huffington Post

Harold, the original, was a Democratic rising star, with so much crossover appeal that he came this close to being elected to the Senate -- in Tennessee.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

He first ran in 1968, when he lost a State Assembly race by just 1,220 votes, the closest he has ever come to being elected.

The New York Times

Instead of needing a majority in the first round of balloting to avert a runoff, a candidate would have only to register a 10percentt lead over the closest contender to be elected, a prospect that becomes more likely if the opposition is fragmented.

The New York Times

Ms. Mirza, the wife of Zulfikar Mirza, one of Mr. Zardari's close confidants, is the first woman to be elected speaker in Pakistan.

The New York Times

In 2008 he surprised many by besting one of Chávez's closest allies, Diosdado Cabello, the incumbent, to be elected governor of Miranda, Venezuela's second most populous state.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"No one is entitled to be elected.

The New York Times - Sports

Significantly, the judges were to be elected.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "close to being elected" to describe a situation where a candidate or nominee has a high probability of winning an election based on current standing or projections.

Common error

Avoid using "close to being elected" to describe a candidate who definitively lost an election by a significant margin. Instead, reserve the phrase for situations where the outcome was genuinely uncertain until the very end.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to being elected" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically modifying a noun (e.g., candidate, nominee) to indicate their high likelihood of winning an election. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. The examples highlight its use in news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close to being elected" is used to describe a person who has a strong chance of winning an election. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly news and media. Related phrases like "nearly elected" or "on the verge of election" offer similar meanings, but with slight differences in emphasis. To avoid misuse, remember to apply this phrase to situations where a candidate is genuinely likely to win, not when they have already lost by a wide margin. Remember that the selection of the correct phrase depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly elected

Direct synonym, emphasizing the proximity to being elected.

on the verge of election

Highlights the imminence of a potential election victory.

approaching election

Focuses on the process of getting closer to being elected.

almost won the election

Emphasizes the nearness to winning, implying a past attempt.

narrowly missed being elected

Suggests a close margin of defeat in an election.

came within striking distance of winning

Idiomatic, suggesting proximity and potential for success.

at the threshold of victory

Highlights the potential for victory just within reach.

highly likely to be elected

Focuses on probability rather than proximity.

poised for election

Indicates readiness and favorable conditions for election.

in contention for election

Suggests being a strong candidate in the election race.

FAQs

How can I use "close to being elected" in a sentence?

You can use "close to being elected" to describe a candidate who is likely to win an upcoming election. For example, "The latest polls suggest she is "close to being elected"."

What can I say instead of "close to being elected"?

You can use alternatives like "nearly elected", "on the verge of election", or "approaching election" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "close to being elected" or "close to be elected"?

"Close to being elected" is correct. The gerund form "being elected" is needed after the preposition "to". "Close to be elected" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "nearly elected" and "close to being elected"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, ""nearly elected"" often implies a past election that was almost won. "Close to being elected" can refer to an ongoing or future election where the candidate is in a favorable position.