close-knit group

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close-knit group" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a small, tightly connected community or team where members have strong relationships and support one another. Example: "The close-knit group of friends always gathers for dinner every Friday night, sharing stories and laughter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Lifestyle

Travel

Arts

Business

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We were a close-knit group.

The New York Times

We're a close-knit group.

The New York Times - Sports

We became a very close-knit group.

The New Yorker

It seems to be a close-knit group".

The New York Times - Sports

people in New York are a close-knit group".

The New York Times

I'm lucky to have a close-knit group of mates.

The Guardian - Money

The Harlem artists were a close-knit group.

The New Yorker

Working with such a close-knit group, she said, is ideal.

The New York Times - Arts

They are a close-knit group — a lot of kitchenette socializing was going on.

The New Yorker

Now this close-knit group is hoping to craft an ending that will not be forgotten.

The New York Times - Sports

We are a really close-knit group and we are just looking forward.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing larger entities like communities, consider "tight-knit" as a suitable alternative, emphasizing geographic proximity or shared cultural values.

Common error

Avoid using "close-knit group" to describe very large or impersonal organizations. The phrase implies a level of personal connection and interaction that is unlikely to exist in such settings. Opt for terms like "team", "association" or "organization" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close-knit group" functions as a noun phrase, where "close-knit" acts as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "group". It describes a specific quality of the group, indicating strong interpersonal relationships and a sense of unity. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Sports

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close-knit group" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a group of people with strong relationships and mutual support, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a noun phrase, with "close-knit" modifying "group". While generally neutral in register, it is frequently found in news articles, sports reports, and lifestyle content, denoting positive attributes like teamwork and camaraderie. When writing, avoid using it for large, impersonal organizations, and consider synonyms like "tight-knit community" or "cohesive team" for specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tight-knit community

Replaces "group" with "community", emphasizing shared location or identity.

close circle of friends

Specifies the group as a friendship circle, highlighting personal bonds.

cohesive team

Implies a work-related or goal-oriented group with strong collaboration.

supportive network

Focuses on the aspect of mutual assistance and encouragement within the group.

interconnected network

Emphasizes the connections and relationships between individuals within the group.

bonded unit

Highlights the strength and unity of the group, suggesting a strong emotional connection.

unified body

Suggests a formal or structured group working towards a common purpose.

inseparable companions

Focuses on the constant presence and deep connection between members.

intimate gathering

Describes a small, private assembly of people who know each other well.

family-like atmosphere

Compares the group's dynamic to that of a family, emphasizing care and closeness.

FAQs

How can I use "close-knit group" in a sentence?

You can use "close-knit group" to describe a set of people who know each other very well and give each other support, for example: "The employees at the local bakery were a "close-knit group" who often socialized outside of work."

What are some synonyms for "close-knit group"?

Alternatives include "tight-knit community", "cohesive team", or "supportive network", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "close-knit group" in a formal context?

While generally acceptable, consider the specific context. In formal settings, phrases like "cohesive team" or "unified body" might be more suitable, depending on the situation. News and Media generally consider it acceptable.

What distinguishes a "close-knit group" from a regular group?

A "close-knit group" implies strong interpersonal relationships, frequent interaction, and mutual support among its members, whereas a regular group might simply be a collection of individuals with a shared interest or purpose without necessarily having deep connections.