close to them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to them" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express proximity between two or more people or objects. For example: The family arranged the chairs in a circle, placing themselves close to each other.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Stay close to them.

The Guardian - Books

"I was close to them.

The New York Times

I'm not close to them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

'I'm very close to them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You feel you're very close to them.

The New York Times

Get as close to them as possible.

The Guardian - Books

But he cannot get close to them.

The New York Times - Books

Now, though, we're very close to them.

The Guardian - Sport

A shell exploded close to them.

The Guardian

Mr. Simon had remained close to them.

The New York Times

We were so close to them".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing relationships, consider whether "close to them" accurately reflects the nature of the connection. It can imply physical nearness, emotional intimacy, or professional alignment, so choose the phrase that best fits the context.

Common error

While acceptable in most contexts, avoid overusing "close to them" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language that specifies the nature of the relationship, such as "affiliated with", "adjacent to", or "intimately familiar with".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to them" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate proximity or connection. Ludwig examples show its usage across a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close to them" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to express varying degrees of proximity, from physical nearness to emotional intimacy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse sources like news articles, scientific publications, and wikis. When using "close to them", it's important to consider the specific context to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the intended relationship. While broadly applicable, more precise language may be preferred in formal writing. Alternatives such as "near to them" or "intimate with them" can provide greater clarity. Overall, "close to them" is a common and acceptable phrase for describing relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

near to them

Simple substitution of "close" with its direct synonym "near".

next to them

Emphasizes physical adjacency or spatial arrangement.

in proximity to them

Replaces "close" with a more formal term, indicating physical nearness.

alongside them

Focuses on shared action or presence in the same space.

intimate with them

Indicates a deep personal connection, beyond mere physical closeness.

friendly with them

Highlights the amicable nature of the relationship.

attached to them

Suggests an emotional bond or dependence.

in contact with them

Focuses on the act of communication or interaction.

associated with them

Implies a connection or relationship, potentially professional or social.

familiar with them

Indicates knowledge or understanding of the individuals in question.

FAQs

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

You can use "close to them" to describe physical proximity (e.g., "They stood close to them at the concert"), emotional closeness (e.g., "She felt close to them after sharing her story"), or professional alignment (e.g., "He worked close to them on the project").

What are some alternatives to "close to them"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "near to them", "in proximity to them", or "intimate with them".

Is it better to say "close to them" or "close with them"?

"Close to them" typically refers to physical proximity or emotional connection. "Close with them" is less common but can imply a collaborative or cooperative relationship. Choose the phrasing that best reflects the intended meaning.

What does "close to them" imply about a relationship?

"Close to them" can imply a variety of relationships, including physical nearness, emotional intimacy, shared interests, or professional collaboration. The specific meaning depends on the context in which the phrase is used.