close to the point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to the point" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means that something is relevant or directly related to the main topic or issue being discussed. Example: "The speaker's comments were close to the point and helped clarify the issue at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're getting close to the point of no return.

The New York Times

"We're close to the point of no return," one said.

The New York Times - Sports

The dirty work gets done, pushing Hughes's characters very close to the point of uncomfortable realizations.

The New York Times - Books

"They are probably getting close to the point of diminishing returns".

The New York Times - Sports

"I try to get close to the point of what the eruv means to you.

The New York Times

"We are getting very close to the point where anarchy will take over".

The New York Times - Travel

"I was really close to the point of closing the restaurants," Jama admitted.

The Guardian

But in the end the reader feels that this is cultural history pushed close to the point of self-parody.

The New Yorker

"They are so close to the point that, oh my gosh, I hope one can function without the other".

The New York Times - Sports

The country is close to the point where 2 percent of its electricity will come from wind turbines.

The New York Times

We were a company close to the point of collapse with no clear path back to recovery.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "close to the point", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the 'point' refers to. Ambiguity can weaken the phrase's impact. For example, "His argument was close to the point of being offensive" is clearer than "His argument was close to the point."

Common error

Avoid using "close to the point" when the subject is entirely unrelated or irrelevant. This can confuse the reader and undermine your credibility. Always ensure a discernible connection between the subject and the intended point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to the point" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier. It indicates the degree of relevance or proximity to a specific issue, idea, or goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, the usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close to the point" is a versatile prepositional phrase signifying relevance or nearness to a specific goal or idea. As Ludwig AI clarifies, the phrase is grammatically correct and enjoys widespread use. Its neutral register allows it to seamlessly integrate into varied contexts, most notably within news and media. When deploying this phrase, ensure contextual clarity to avoid ambiguity. Remember, while synonymous alternatives exist, they often carry subtle differences in emphasis. As confirmed by the examples available in Ludwig, "close to the point" is a valuable addition to a writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relevant to the matter

Emphasizes the direct connection and pertinence to the subject under discussion.

pertinent to the issue

Highlights the direct relevance and applicability to a specific problem or situation.

germane to the topic

Stresses the appropriateness and logical connection to the subject at hand.

on the right track

Suggests progress and alignment with a desired outcome or solution.

getting warmer

Implies increasing proximity to a correct answer or solution, often used informally.

approaching the crux

Indicates nearing the most critical or decisive aspect of a matter.

nearing resolution

Suggests an impending conclusion or settlement to a problem or dispute.

bordering on

Implies resemblance to but not quite reaching a certain state or condition.

verging on

Similar to "bordering on", suggesting a tendency towards a particular characteristic or state.

almost there

Expresses nearness to achieving a goal or reaching a destination, often used encouragingly.

FAQs

How can I use "close to the point" in a sentence?

You can use "close to the point" to indicate proximity to a particular issue, idea, or goal. For example: "His argument was "close to the point" of being offensive", or "The negotiations are "close to the point" of resolution".

What are some alternatives to "close to the point"?

Some alternatives include "relevant to the matter", "pertinent to the issue", "germane to the topic", or "on the right track" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "near the point" or "close to the point"?

Both "near the point" and "close to the point" are grammatically correct and similar in meaning. The choice often depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations, though ""close to the point"" is generally more common.

What does it mean when someone says something is "close to the point"?

When something is described as ""close to the point"", it means it is relevant, pertinent, or nearly achieving a specific objective or understanding. It suggests a high degree of relevance or proximity to a central idea or goal.