close to something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate proximity or nearness to a particular object, location, or concept. Example: "The park is close to the library, making it a convenient spot for a picnic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Was Comey getting close to something more?

The New Yorker

And every time, we're supposedly getting close to something".

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm getting close to something," he said then.

The New York Times - Arts

If you know enough of those things, you get close to something like the truth.

The New Yorker

"I thought, this can't happen: so close to something my mom's always wanted," she said recently.

The New York Times

And Martin Scorsese has described an obscure sequel, "Frankenstein Created Woman," as "close to something sublime".

The New York Times

"He was extremely close to something very dangerous," Sheriff Taylor said.

The New York Times

Eighteen years is a long time to be close to something".

The New York Times

It was very freeing in many respects not to be so close to something.

The New York Times

And yet Debbie, in her blundering way, has come close to something.

The Guardian - Film

Without the $400 sonar warning system, which alerts you when you're getting close to something, I would have been lost.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "close to something" to describe progress toward a goal, clarify the nature of that goal to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "close to something" without specifying what that "something" is. This can lead to confusion. Instead of saying "We are close to something", specify "We are close to a solution".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to something" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating a state of proximity, either physical or metaphorical. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and used to describe nearness to an object, location or concept.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "close to something" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate proximity or nearness, whether physical or metaphorical. Ludwig AI validates that it's grammatically sound and widely used. While generally neutral in tone, its specific meaning is heavily context-dependent, ranging from expressing physical nearness to indicating progress toward a goal or emotional connection. It is most commonly found in news and media sources, and writers should ensure clarity by specifying the nature of the "something" being approached.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

near to something

Emphasizes physical proximity, similar to "close to something" but with a slightly more literal sense of nearness.

approaching something

Focuses on the act of nearing or coming closer to a particular goal, idea, or state.

on the verge of something

Implies being at the very edge or threshold of a significant event, change, or realization.

nearing something

Highlights the gradual process of becoming closer to a particular point or destination.

drawing near to something

Suggests a gradual and continuous movement toward a specific objective or concept.

in proximity to something

Conveys a more formal and precise sense of being in close physical or conceptual vicinity.

bordering on something

Indicates similarity or resemblance to something to an extent that shares a common boundary.

akin to something

Expresses a similarity or resemblance that indicates likeness without being identical.

verging on something

Implies a state that is close to becoming something else, frequently something undesirable.

resembling something

Highlights the similarity of something, referring to similar qualities.

FAQs

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

You can use "close to something" to indicate proximity or nearness to a particular object, location, or concept. For example, "The park is close to the library, making it a convenient spot for a picnic."

What are some alternatives to "close to something"?

You can use alternatives like "near to something", "approaching something", or "on the verge of something" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "close to something" or "near something"?

"Close to something" and "near something" are often interchangeable, but "close to something" can sometimes imply a more intimate or significant connection than simply being nearby.

What does it mean to be "close to something"?

Being "close to something" can mean physically near, emotionally connected, or nearing a particular goal or state. The meaning depends on the context in which it's used.