close to the house

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to the house" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the proximity of something in relation to a house. Example: "The park is located close to the house, making it easy for the kids to play outside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The plantings are formal and English close to the house.

The New York Times

Avoid planting trees too close to the house.

The New York Times

So they buried him close to the house.

The New Yorker

The highway now cuts close to the house, ruining its magnificent isolation.

The New Yorker

Close to the house, we use pebbles and 10mm gravel for paths.

Independent

(It is close to the house he built for Kofi Annan).

The New Yorker

It must have been luck, He thought for years, so close To the house it grew.

The New Yorker

Mr Thurmond is moving into a nursing home close to the house where he grew up.

The Economist

Consider setting additional plants somewhere equally close to the house but away from foot traffic.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The blocks for the house were cut from bluestem sod, probably obtained from a site very close to the house.

Wikipedia

Be as quiet as possible and try to do pranks that aren't too close to the house.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing locations, consider the level of precision needed. "Close to the house" works well for general proximity, but for more exact locations, consider using specific distances or landmarks.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "close to the house" without providing additional context. If relevant, specify the direction, exact distance, or any intervening obstacles to provide a clearer picture for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to the house" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the location or proximity of an action or object in relation to a house. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

20%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "close to the house" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe proximity to a residence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts, it serves to provide spatial context. For more formal settings, alternatives like "in proximity to the house" might be preferable. When using the phrase, ensure you provide adequate context for clarity, specifying direction or exact distance if necessary. Its frequency and versatility make it a valuable addition to your descriptive vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

near the house

Replaces "close to" with its direct synonym "near", maintaining the same meaning.

nearby the house

Adds the adverb "nearby" for emphasis on the proximity.

in proximity to the house

Uses a more formal phrasing to indicate nearness.

adjacent to the house

Indicates that something is directly next to the house.

a stone's throw from the house

Uses an idiomatic expression to emphasize a short distance.

in the vicinity of the house

Indicates that something is in the general area around the house.

just outside the house

Highlights that something is immediately external to the house.

within sight of the house

Emphasizes that something can be seen from the house.

a short distance from the house

Clarifies that the distance is small, though not precisely defined.

in close range to the house

Uses the term "close range" to specify that something is easily accessible from the house.

FAQs

What does "close to the house" mean?

The phrase "close to the house" indicates that something is located near or in the immediate vicinity of a residential building.

What can I say instead of "close to the house"?

You can use alternatives like "near the house", "nearby the house", or "adjacent to the house" depending on the specific context.

Is "close to the house" formal or informal?

The phrase "close to the house" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both informal and formal contexts. More formal alternatives include "in proximity to the house".

When should I use "close to the house" versus "near the house"?

Both phrases are largely interchangeable. "Close to the house" might suggest a slightly shorter distance than "near the house", but the difference is subtle and depends on the context.