close to optimal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to optimal" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the degree to which something is nearly the best possible option or result. For example, "Our team achieved a score that was close to optimal for the game."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

"We were close to optimal this evening," said the Dortmund coach Jürgen Klopp.

The Guardian - Sport

The solutions found by the EA are close to optimal.

Computers & Operations Research

In addition, the ratio between hydrogen and carbon in the syngas will be close to optimal.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A quantum dot device reaches close to optimal thermoelectric efficiency by working with electrons that lever heat.

Nature

An example follows, but there is no guarantee that my way of running ModelSim is even close to optimal.

Cornell University

These bounds are close to optimal when s is close to d/p.

Journal of Mathematical Analysis and Applications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

We consider that minimal values for the cost function produce cache configurations close to optimal-Pareto.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

This code was used in: Masquelier T (2017) STDP allows close-to-optimal spatiotemporal spike pattern detection by single coincidence detector neurons.

Yale University

It is clearly shown that the GICO algorithm produces close-to-optimal solutions.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

In the end, it is easily seen that the GICA algorithm produces close-to-optimal solutions.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

In the end, as can be observed, the GICA algorithm produces close-to-optimal solutions.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for precision, quantify how "close" the result is to optimal. For example, specify a percentage or a range of acceptable deviation.

Common error

Avoid using "close to optimal" when the result is only marginally better than average. Ensure there's a demonstrable reason to believe it's nearing the best possible outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to optimal" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it describes the degree to which something approaches the best possible state or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms that this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

61%

Academia

20%

News & Media

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close to optimal" is a useful way to describe something that is nearly the best possible, without claiming absolute perfection. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It's commonly used in scientific, academic, and news contexts to describe results, algorithms, and strategies. When using "close to optimal", it's important to be accurate and avoid overstating the degree to which something approaches the ideal. Alternatives include "nearly optimal" and "almost optimal". By being precise and understanding the nuances of this phrase, you can communicate effectively and avoid misleading your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly optimal

Replaces "close to" with "nearly", providing a slightly more concise alternative.

approaching optimal

Uses a verb to describe the act of getting closer to the optimal condition.

almost optimal

Substitutes "close to" with "almost", indicating a very slight difference from the ideal.

close to perfect

Replaces "optimal" with "perfect", emphasizing the high quality of the result.

near the optimum

Uses the noun form "optimum" and "near" instead of "close to".

effectively optimal

Emphasizes the practical equivalence to an optimal solution.

substantially optimal

Highlights the significant degree to which the solution approaches the optimum.

reasonably optimal

Suggests that the solution is optimal within acceptable limits or constraints.

practically optimal

Focuses on the real-world applicability of the solution being nearly optimal.

tantamount to optimal

Indicates that the result is functionally equivalent to being optimal, though perhaps not strictly so.

FAQs

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

You can use "close to optimal" to describe a solution, performance, or result that is nearly the best possible. For example, "The algorithm provides a solution that is "close to optimal" in most cases."

What are some alternatives to saying "close to optimal"?

Alternatives include "nearly optimal", "almost optimal", or "approaching optimal depending on the specific nuance you want to convey".

Is "close to optimal" the same as "optimal"?

No, "close to optimal" indicates something is almost the best possible, but not quite. "Optimal" means it is the best possible. The difference is the degree of attainment.

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

Use "close to optimal" when you have evidence that something is very near the best possible outcome, but you cannot definitively prove it is the absolute best. This acknowledges a potential, even if small, margin for improvement.