close to great

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to great" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is nearly excellent or very good, but not quite at the highest level. Example: "The performance was close to great, but a few minor mistakes held it back from being truly outstanding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

As luck would have it, however, "Luck," which begins on Sunday, is not close to great.

The New York Times - Arts

And it's close to great shops and restaurants on Toorak Road and Chapel Street.

The New York Times

He's close to Great, his 16-year-old daughter from a previous marriage.

The New York Times

Reviewing "Luck" for The New York Times, Alessandra Stanley said the show "is not close to great".

The New York Times - Arts

This movie is by turns brilliant and dumb, naïve and wise, nowhere near good enough and something close to great.

The New York Times

Both men shared a deep love for the game of politics, the sense of being close to great events and privy to the highest-octane gossip.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

At 45 minutes each way, this sawn-off production swings dangerously close to greatest-hits territory, Carmen herself belting through three big numbers back to back faster than you can say picador, and there isn't a bullring in sight.

Independent

Though Princeton is often called an "Orange Bubble," my experiences here brought me closer to great problems and motivated me to engage with the world more powerfully than I could have dreamed.

Princeton University

But I think [the film] just brought me closer to great joy in life.

Forbes

It is not the perfect solution, but surely a step closer to greater transparency?

The Guardian

Like the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, the Yemeni movement has been dealing with increasingly visible divisions as it edges closer to greater power.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "close to great" when you want to express that something is almost at an exceptional level but falls slightly short. It's ideal for providing constructive feedback or describing potential.

Common error

Avoid using "close to great" when the subject is already recognized as truly outstanding. Instead, reserve it for scenarios where improvement is still possible or the achievement isn't universally acclaimed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to great" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically used to describe a noun or concept that possesses many positive qualities but has not yet reached the highest level of excellence. Ludwig examples showcase its use in evaluating performances or assessing potential.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close to great" is a commonly used phrase that denotes something nearing excellence but not fully achieving it. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media and Science. The phrase serves as a nuanced evaluation tool, offering acknowledgment and highlighting the potential for further improvement. While alternatives exist, "close to great" uniquely balances praise and constructive criticism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearing perfection

Emphasizes the almost flawless quality, focusing on the endpoint of perfection.

approaching excellence

Highlights the ongoing movement towards a standard of high quality and merit.

almost exceptional

Indicates that something possesses nearly all the qualities of being outstanding.

bordering on brilliant

Suggests a level of quality that is just below absolute brilliance, implying high intelligence or skill.

on the verge of greatness

Focuses on the imminent arrival of a state of significance and high achievement.

shy of magnificent

Implies that something is just lacking the qualities that would make it truly impressive.

not far from superb

Expresses that something is nearly at the highest level of quality and skill.

just below outstanding

Clearly indicates that something is of high quality but not quite at the top level.

a stone's throw from remarkable

Uses a metaphor to show that something is very close to being extraordinary and noteworthy.

within reach of top-tier

Highlights that something has the potential to achieve the highest rank or level.

FAQs

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

You can use "close to great" to describe something that is nearly excellent but not quite there yet. For example: "The performance was "close to great", but some minor mistakes held it back."

What are some alternatives to "close to great"?

Alternatives include "nearing perfection", "approaching excellence", or "almost exceptional", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "close to great" or "almost great"?

Both "close to great" and "almost great" are acceptable, but "close to great" often implies a more active or ongoing process of nearing excellence. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

When is it appropriate to use "close to great" rather than "great"?

"Close to great" is appropriate when acknowledging positive qualities while also indicating room for improvement. Using "great" might be an overstatement if there are noticeable shortcomings.