close together

USAGE SUMMARY

"close together" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe two or more things that are near each other in proximity. For example, "The two cars were driving close together through the city streets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tables are close together.

The New York Times

They'd be close together.

The New Yorker

They were very close together.

The New York Times - Books

Campsites are close together.

The New York Times - Travel

Bunched too close together.

The New York Times

We lived close together in Manhattan.

The New York Times

They sat close together in the back.

The New Yorker

Houses are usually spaced close together.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A tragic accident brings them close together.

The New York Times

Several pairs may nest close together, semicolonially.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Finding them close together is nearly impossible.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing spatial arrangements, ensure that "close together" is followed by a prepositional phrase or clause that clarifies what is being positioned near each other. For example: "The houses were built close together on the small island."

Common error

While "close together" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal or technical writing. Consider more precise alternatives like "adjacent", "proximate", or "contiguous" to enhance the sophistication of your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close together" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe how an action is performed or a state exists. It specifies the manner in which objects, people, or concepts are situated relative to one another. Ludwig confirms its validity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

28%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close together" is a common and grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to describe proximity or nearness, as confirmed by Ludwig. It appears frequently across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While versatile, it's important to be mindful of the context and consider more precise alternatives in highly formal writing. The analysis highlights its neutral register and its effectiveness in conveying spatial or abstract relationships. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its practical application in diverse scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

near each other

A more straightforward and less formal way of expressing proximity.

in close proximity

Emphasizes the nearness in location or space.

side by side

Indicates a lateral proximity.

adjacent to each other

Highlights the touching or immediate vicinity of two items.

in close quarters

Implies a confined space where things or people are situated near each other.

in contact with each other

Emphasizes physical touch between the items.

in tight formation

Describes a structured arrangement where elements are very near each other.

densely packed

Focuses on a high concentration of items in a small area.

within arm's reach

Defines closeness based on a practical, reachable distance.

next door to each other

Specifically refers to buildings or residences that are nearby.

FAQs

How can I use "close together" in a sentence?

You can use "close together" to describe physical proximity, such as "The desks were placed "near each other"" or to describe abstract relationships, such as "Their ideas were "closely related"".

What are some alternatives to saying "close together"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "near each other", "in close proximity", or "adjacent".

Is it grammatically correct to say "closely together"?

While "closely" can modify adjectives or adverbs, "close together" is already an established adverbial phrase indicating proximity. Using "closely together" is generally redundant and less common.

What's the difference between "close together" and "far apart"?

"Close together" indicates that items are near each other, while "far apart" indicates that they are at a significant distance. They are antonyms describing opposite ends of the proximity spectrum.