close tolerance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close tolerance" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts related to engineering, manufacturing, or precision measurement where exact specifications are required. For example, "The components were manufactured to close tolerance to ensure proper fit." Alternative expressions include "tight tolerance" and "narrow tolerance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"Reed organ" commonly refers to instruments having free reeds (vibrating through a slot with close tolerance) and no pipes.

Britannica

Harmonium, also called Reed Organ, free-reed keyboard instrument that produces sound when wind sent by foot-operated bellows through a pressure-equalizing air reservoir causes metal reeds screwed over slots in metal frames to vibrate through the frames with close tolerance.

Britannica

Microclimatic thermal conditions within the quartz field were determined through the placement of one small thermistor (NTC, close tolerance R/T curve matched thermistors) per location set out below (Table 1).

Ecological Processes

As my mentor explained, you want your brain surgeon to have the close tolerance trait.

Huffington Post

The challenge is that close tolerance can seem like, or even become, intolerance if you're not careful.

Huffington Post

My mentor once told me that I had an interesting ability, one that he called "close tolerance".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

With closed dies, parts can be made to close tolerances so that little finish machining is required.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Soundboards, the most important part of the resonance system of stringed instruments, are carefully planed to close tolerances.

Britannica

High production output rate with close tolerances is achieved by plastic injection machines and steel/alloy molds.

Measurement

Special attention was paid to the design of the apparatus and its construction, ensuring close tolerances in all machined parts.

Food and Bioproducts Processing

Moreover, plastic gears can be cut like their metal counterparts and machined for high precision with close tolerances.

Materials Today: Proceedings

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing technical documents, always quantify "close tolerance" with specific numerical values to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "close tolerance of ±0.001 inches".

Common error

Don't assume that "close tolerance" implies a degree of flexibility. It signifies a high level of precision where deviations from the specified value are minimal and often critical to the functionality of a component or system.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close tolerance" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying another noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a required level of precision or accuracy in manufacturing and engineering. Examples show its use in relation to parts, machinery and design specifications.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

17%

News & Media

17%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close tolerance" is a noun phrase that refers to a high level of precision required in manufacturing or engineering, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. The phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in technical contexts, particularly in science, encyclopedias, and news media. It implies a strict adherence to specifications and a minimal margin for error. When using "close tolerance", quantify it with numerical values for clarity and avoid assuming it allows for flexibility. Alternatives include ""tight tolerance"" or ""precise tolerance"". Remember that this term is best suited for formal and scientific registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tight tolerance

Replaces "close" with "tight", emphasizing the strictness of the acceptable range.

narrow tolerance

Uses "narrow" instead of "close", highlighting the small range of acceptable variation.

fine tolerance

Substitutes "close" with "fine", focusing on the high degree of precision required.

strict tolerance

Emphasizes the rigidity and inflexibility of the tolerance requirements.

precise tolerance

Highlights the accuracy and exactness needed in the tolerance.

critical tolerance

Emphasizes the importance and criticality of maintaining the specified tolerance.

exacting tolerance

Focuses on the demanding and rigorous nature of the tolerance requirements.

high precision

Shifts from tolerance to the broader concept of high accuracy and precision.

accurate specification

Replaces "tolerance" with a focus on the accuracy of the specifications.

stringent specification

Emphasizes the strictness of the imposed specifications.

FAQs

How is "close tolerance" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "close tolerance" is often used to describe manufacturing processes or components that require a high degree of precision. For example, "The engine parts were machined to a "tight tolerance" to ensure optimal performance".

What are some alternatives to "close tolerance"?

Alternatives to "close tolerance" include "narrow tolerance", "fine tolerance", or "precise tolerance", depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

In what fields is the term "close tolerance" commonly used?

"Close tolerance" is frequently used in engineering, manufacturing, machining, and other technical fields where precise measurements and specifications are crucial.

What does "close tolerance" imply about the manufacturing process?

"Close tolerance" indicates that the manufacturing process must be carefully controlled and monitored to minimize deviations from the specified dimensions. This often requires specialized equipment and skilled technicians.