closeness between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "closeness between" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the relationship between two people or things. Example sentence: The closeness between the siblings grew as they began to share more of their thoughts and feelings.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Manly is "closeness between the harbour and the ocean"; "Hope.

The Guardian - Books

The closeness between the church, there, and us, here.

The New York Times - Sports

This approach reflects, in part, the longstanding closeness between the firm and tobacco makers.

The New York Times

"The documents reveal a shocking closeness between business interest groups and the commission," she said.

The Guardian

A large part of the company's stability comes from the unusual closeness between Page and Brin.

The New Yorker

No doubt there have been times in their careers when the closeness between them was genuine.

The Guardian

The closeness between the two companies was underscored by their physical proximity.

The New Yorker

The film captures the childhood closeness between Ms. Waters and her brother, played by Sam Rockwell.

The New York Times

Of course I have moments when I envy the closeness between siblings.

The New York Times

Pérez wants to foster a sense of closeness between the club and its fans.

The Guardian - Sport

Doris Nantz recalled the closeness between her husband, Jim, and her son, whom she calls Jimmy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to physical distance, consider using words like "proximity" or "nearness" instead of "closeness". For instance, "The proximity between the buildings made it easy to walk from one to the other" clarifies spatial relations.

Common error

Avoid using "closeness between" when you mean simple proximity or adjacency. "Closeness" implies a deeper connection than just physical nearness. Using it incorrectly can make your writing sound awkward or unintentionally suggestive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "closeness between" primarily functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject or object, often followed by a verb to describe the state or nature of that closeness. As Ludwig AI indicates, it denotes a relationship between two entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "closeness between" is a versatile expression used to describe the strength and nature of relationships, whether emotional, physical, or abstract. As Ludwig highlights, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed in both formal and informal contexts. While widely applicable, it's important to distinguish its connotation of a deep connection from mere physical proximity. Alternatives like "intimacy between" or "rapport between" can offer more precise shades of meaning, while understanding common errors helps ensure accurate and impactful writing. By considering these factors, writers can effectively leverage "closeness between" to convey the intended relationship with clarity and depth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

connection between

A more general term that can refer to any type of link or association.

link between

Highlights a connection or association, often causal or influential.

proximity between

Focuses on physical nearness or reduced distance, rather than emotional or abstract connections.

relationship between

A broad term describing any kind of association, formal or informal.

association between

A formal or informal connection or relationship.

intimacy between

Emphasizes a deep, personal, and often emotional connection.

rapport between

Highlights a harmonious and understanding relationship.

affinity between

Indicates a natural liking or sympathy.

alliance between

Suggests a formal agreement or partnership for mutual benefit.

correlation between

Highlights a statistical relationship, not necessarily a direct connection.

FAQs

How can I use "closeness between" in a sentence?

You can use "closeness between" to describe the relationship between people, ideas, or things. For example, "The closeness between the siblings was evident" or "There is a growing closeness between the two companies".

What are some alternatives to "closeness between"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "intimacy between", "rapport between", or "connection between".

Is it appropriate to use "closeness between" in formal writing?

Yes, "closeness between" is appropriate in formal writing when describing a relationship or connection. However, ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning of a strong or intimate bond.

What's the difference between "closeness between" and "proximity between"?

"Closeness between" implies a relationship or bond, while "proximity between" refers to physical nearness. You would use "closeness" to describe a bond between friends, and "proximity" to describe how close two buildings are to each other.