close to the river

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to the river" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the proximity of a location or object in relation to a river. Example: "The house is situated close to the river, providing a beautiful view and easy access to water activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Fresh flooding has hit towns and villages close to the River Thames in Surrey as river levels rise.

BBC

Chairs and tables are arranged, close to the river bank.

Independent

See, our substation is located quite close to the river.

The Guardian

"That's too close to the river," Brokate said.

The Guardian

A desperate combat ensued, with Confederate assaults driving the Federals perilously close to the river.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Close to the river, the French Market (21) is a cheerfully touristy collection of stalls.

Independent

This strongly suggests that most of the knapping activities originally took place close to the river.

Journal of Human Evolution

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

ON A bluff close to the River Vistula in Warsaw stands Poland's military museum.

The Economist

I should come clean: our new home is in Hampton, very close to the River Thames.

The Guardian

The vineyards are on the rolling pampas, close to the River Plate, and enjoy balmy weather most of the year.

The Guardian - Travel

Fresh flooding is expected in towns and villages close to the River Thames as water levels continue to rise.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a location, consider the specific feature of the river that makes the proximity relevant (e.g., "close to the river for irrigation", "close to the river for transportation").

Common error

Avoid using "close to the river" as a generic descriptor. Specify why the proximity to the river matters to the subject you are describing, providing specific details or consequences of that closeness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to the river" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying nouns or noun phrases to indicate spatial relationships. It specifies location relative to a river, providing context for the entity being described, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

32%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close to the river" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate spatial proximity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely applicable across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While versatile, it's best used with specific context to convey the importance of the river's proximity. Alternatives include phrases like "near the river" or "adjacent to the river", offering slight variations in emphasis. Remember to provide specific reasons for the proximity to the river and avoid vague descriptions to create informative sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

near the river

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

adjacent to the river

Indicates that something is next to the river, suggesting a shared boundary or immediate proximity.

beside the river

Implies that something is situated at the side of the river, indicating a lateral position.

by the river

A more general term indicating proximity to the river, without specifying the exact position.

along the riverbank

Specifically refers to a location on the riverbank, implying a linear alignment with the river.

on the river's edge

Highlights the location as being at the very border of the river.

riverside

A single-word adjective describing something located near or along a river.

in proximity to the river

A more formal way of saying "near the river", emphasizing closeness.

in the vicinity of the river

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

a stone's throw from the river

An idiomatic expression meaning very close to the river.

FAQs

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

Use "close to the river" to describe something's location in relation to a river. For instance, "The village is located close to the river, which provides water for agriculture".

What are some alternatives to saying "close to the river"?

You can use alternatives like "near the river", "adjacent to the river", or "by the river" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "near the river" and "close to the river"?

While both phrases indicate proximity, "close to the river" might suggest a slightly more immediate or intimate connection than "near the river". The distinction is subtle and often negligible.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "close to the river" in writing?

Use "close to the river" when you want to emphasize the proximity of something to a river, especially when that nearness has a particular significance or consequence.