close to him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to him" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe physical proximity or emotional closeness to a male individual. Example: "She felt a sense of comfort when she was close to him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I'm close to him.

The New York Times - Sports

His family is close to him.

Independent

They jockeyed to sit close to him.

The New York Times

It makes her feel close to him.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It was too close to him".

The New York Times

Finally, the cab swerved close to him.

The New Yorker

I was very close to him".

The New Yorker

"Because I stay close to him.

The New York Times - Sports

I stood close to him.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Were you close to him?

The New York Times - Magazine

John was close to him.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing emotional closeness, consider adding details that illustrate the nature of the relationship, such as shared experiences or mutual trust.

Common error

In academic or formal writing, avoid relying solely on "close to him" if a more precise term better captures the relationship, such as "intimately connected", "closely associated", or "deeply influenced".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to him" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun to describe proximity, either physical or emotional. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase indicates relationships and connections. For example, 'I'm close to him' describes a personal relationship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close to him" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate either physical proximity or emotional intimacy with a male individual. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. With a high frequency of occurrence in news, media, and everyday conversations, it's essential to consider the context to accurately convey the intended meaning. While generally neutral, consider more specific alternatives in formal writing to enhance clarity. Always ensure correct usage to avoid ambiguity. The phrase is commonly found in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian and in general is considered correct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

near him

Indicates physical proximity without necessarily implying an emotional connection.

beside him

Suggests being physically alongside, often implying support or companionship.

intimate with him

Emphasizes a deep emotional or personal connection.

attached to him

Highlights an emotional bond or dependency.

fond of him

Indicates affection or liking.

in his inner circle

Suggests being part of a select group of people he trusts and relies on.

in his confidence

Highlights that he trusts the person and shares secrets or personal matters.

friendly with him

Simply states that they have a friendship.

familiar with him

Suggests acquaintance or knowledge of him.

associated with him

Implies a professional or social connection.

FAQs

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

You can use "close to him" to describe physical proximity, as in "She stood "near him" at the concert", or to describe emotional closeness, as in "They had been "intimate with him" since childhood".

What are some synonyms for "close to him"?

Alternatives include "near him", "beside him", "intimate with him", "attached to him", and "fond of him". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "close to him" or "closely to him"?

"Close to him" is correct. "Closely to him" is grammatically incorrect. The adverb "closely" does not fit this prepositional phrase.

What's the difference between "close to him" and "near him"?

"Near him" primarily denotes physical proximity. "Close to him" can indicate physical proximity, but more often implies an emotional or personal connection. The phrase "close to him" suggests a deeper relationship than simply being nearby.