close up

USAGE SUMMARY

"close up" is a correctly used phrase in English and it has a few meanings.
You can use it as a verb, meaning to reframe a shot in cinematography or photography, or to shut something tightly. As an adjective, it can mean to be nearly together or to move someone or something closer. As a verb: The director decided to close up the shot to focus on the actor's face. As an adjective: The students huddled close up together to hear the professor's explanation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

(Close up views).

Cornell University

Here's a close up.

Cornell University

They close up around me.

The New York Times

Close up, and you're done.

The New Yorker

Will those close up?

The Guardian - Tech

This time close up.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

| "Brooklyn Close-Up".

The New Yorker

"But we cut close-up.

The New York Times - Arts

Close-up of an angelfish.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Osama is ready for his close-up.

The New York Times

He is ready for his close-up.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "close up" to describe a camera shot, specify the subject for clarity (e.g., "close up of the actor's face").

Common error

Avoid using "close up" when describing abstract ideas or emotional states; it's best suited for physical proximity or visual details. For abstract concepts, consider alternatives like "in depth" or "thoroughly examined".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close up" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, indicating actions like shutting something tightly or moving things nearer. As Ludwig AI points out, it can also be used adjectivally to describe something seen from a short distance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close up" is a versatile phrasal verb and adjective with multiple meanings, including shutting something tightly and describing a detailed view. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While generally neutral in register, its usage varies across contexts, from news and academia to informal how-to guides. To ensure clarity, specify the subject when describing camera shots, and avoid using "close up" for abstract concepts. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and effectively incorporate "close up" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

move closer

Focuses on the action of decreasing the distance between objects or people.

zoom in

Refers to the action of magnifying an image, either physically or digitally.

bring closer

Focuses on the act of reducing the separation between objects or people.

shut tightly

Emphasizes the act of closing something securely and completely.

near view

Indicates a perspective from a short distance, especially in visual contexts.

draw nearer

Describes the action of approaching physically or metaphorically.

intimate perspective

Highlights the personal and detailed nature of the view or relationship.

seal shut

Highlights the action of closing something completely so that nothing can get in or out.

detailed inspection

Highlights examining something very carefully with the aim of discovering more information.

immediate proximity

Describes a situation of being physically very near.

FAQs

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

"Close up" can be used as a verb, meaning to shut tightly (e.g., "We need to close up the shop for the night"), or as an adjective describing something near (e.g., "That's a great close up shot of the moon").

What is an alternative to "close up" when referring to a detailed view?

Alternatives to "close up" when referring to a detailed view include "zoom in", "magnify", or "detailed view".

What does it mean to "close up" a business?

To "close up" a business means to shut it down temporarily or permanently. You might also use phrases like "close down" or "shut down".

When is it appropriate to use "close up" as opposed to "closer"?

"Close up" is generally used to describe a detailed view or the act of shutting something. "Closer" is the comparative form of "close" and is used to indicate a relative reduction in distance. For example, "move closer" versus "a close up view".