closed the distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "closed the distance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of reducing the physical or metaphorical space between two entities, often in contexts like relationships, competition, or travel. Example: "As the race progressed, she closed the distance between herself and the leader, determined to take the lead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

We closed the distance.

The New York Times - Sports

He has closed the distance, I mean, not me.

The New Yorker

Burke was right behind her he had somehow closed the distance without realizing it.

The New Yorker

Coming out of the second turn, he closed the distance to about 300 yards.

The New York Times - Sports

Burke was right behind her — he had somehow closed the distance without realizing it.

The New Yorker

Farah recalibrated and closed the distance until with 100m to go he was on the Kenyan's shoulder.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

The therapist tries, gently, to lead the man back into the narrative, gradually closing the distance.

The New Yorker

Björk often uses the second person to close the distance between herself and others.

The New Yorker

What closes the distance between a well-received novel and a literary phenomenon?

The New Yorker

The researchers found that they had to close the distance to just 5-20 nanometres.

The Economist

Butlin tried closing the distance down but was punished almost at will by the big rookie.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "closed the distance" when you want to emphasize effort and intent in reducing a gap, whether it's a physical or metaphorical one.

Common error

Avoid using "closed the distance" when the context doesn't involve any actual gap reduction. For example, don't say "He closed the distance in their opinions" if there wasn't a previously existing difference of opinions to overcome. Use alternatives like "found common ground" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "closed the distance" functions as a verb phrase within a sentence, typically acting as the predicate. It describes an action of reducing space or separation. Ludwig AI supports this by showcasing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "closed the distance" effectively communicates the reduction of a gap, whether physical or metaphorical. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various sources, including news media and encyclopedias. While versatile, it's important to ensure the context involves an actual reduction in space to avoid misuse. Alternatives such as "narrowed the gap" or "reduced the space" can provide nuanced options for expression. Using "closed the distance" appropriately adds vividness to your writing by emphasizing the action of bridging or approaching.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

narrowed the gap

Focuses on reducing the difference between two points, often in a competitive context.

reduced the space

Emphasizes the diminishing of the physical area separating two entities.

shortened the interval

Highlights the decrease in the period or space between two events or objects.

bridged the divide

Suggests overcoming a barrier or disagreement to create a connection.

drew nearer

A more general term indicating a movement towards closeness, without specifying the exact distance.

approached

Indicates a coming closer, but lacks the emphasis on diminishing the initial distance.

caught up

Implies reaching someone or something after being behind, often in a race or competition.

gained ground

Suggests making progress in reducing a deficit, either literally or figuratively.

came closer

Similar to "drew nearer", but with a slightly more immediate sense of proximity.

lessened the separation

Highlights the reduction of the state of being apart.

FAQs

What does "closed the distance" mean?

The phrase "closed the distance" means to reduce the space or gap between two things, whether physical or metaphorical. It implies a deliberate action to come nearer or diminish separation.

How can I use "closed the distance" in a sentence?

You can use "closed the distance" to describe a physical approach, like "The runner "closed the distance" between herself and the leader". It can also describe overcoming a metaphorical gap, such as "Technology has "closed the distance" between people across the world".

What are some alternatives to "closed the distance"?

Alternatives to "closed the distance" include "narrowed the gap", "reduced the space", or "shortened the interval", depending on the specific context.

Is "closed the distance" formal or informal?

"Closed the distance" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. Its appropriateness depends more on the context than the setting. For instance, it works well in news reports, scientific articles, and casual conversation.