close to us

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to us" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe physical proximity or emotional closeness in various contexts. Example: "The park is close to us, making it a convenient place for our weekend picnics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We want to bring those accountable close to us", she said.

Unicef

They should use examples close to us.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

We hold nature close to us!

The New Yorker

So she was close to us".

Independent

"Tottenham are so close to us.

Independent

Jake's family live so close to us.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

People close to us are suffering.

The Guardian

He seemed very close to us.

The Guardian

"Please don't build too close to us".

The New York Times

I hadn't realized that he lived so close to us.

The New York Times

We have a few gems really close to us.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "close to us" to convey both physical proximity and emotional connection, depending on the context. For example, "The new park is close to us" (physical) versus "This project is close to us" (emotional).

Common error

Avoid using "close to us" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise language is expected. Instead, opt for phrases like "adjacent to" or "in proximity to" for enhanced clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to us" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase. It typically modifies a verb or noun, indicating proximity (either physical or emotional). Ludwig highlights its frequent use in diverse contexts, reinforcing its versatile grammatical role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

13%

Science

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "close to us" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to convey both physical and emotional proximity. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news media. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or professional settings. Keep in mind that context is key when choosing between "close to us" and similar expressions like "near to us" or "in our vicinity".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

near to us

Direct synonym indicating physical proximity.

nearby us

Indicates location in the immediate vicinity.

in our vicinity

More formal way of expressing nearness.

in proximity to us

Emphasizes the state of being near, often in a formal context.

in our neighborhood

Refers specifically to the area surrounding our location.

in relation to us

Suggests a connection or comparison in terms of distance or significance.

within our reach

Indicates accessibility or attainability, not just physical distance.

adjacent to us

Specifically indicates that something is next to or adjoining us.

close at hand

Implies readily available or easily accessible.

intimately connected to us

Focuses on emotional or personal closeness rather than physical proximity.

FAQs

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

You can use "close to us" to describe physical proximity, as in "The library is "near to us"", or to express emotional connection, such as "This cause is "important to us"".

What are some alternatives to "close to us"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "near us", "in our vicinity", or "important to us" as substitutes for "close to us".

Is it correct to say "closely to us"?

No, the correct phrasing is "close to us". "Closely" is an adverb and doesn't fit the prepositional structure needed here.

What's the difference between "close to us" and "closed to us"?

"Close to us" indicates nearness or connection, while "closed to us" means inaccessible or forbidden. For example, "The shop is close to us" versus "The opportunity is "closed to us"".