come closer to

USAGE SUMMARY

"come closer to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used as a command or request for someone to move closer to the speaker or a specific location. Example: "Come closer to the stage so you can see the performers better."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its latest massacres come closer to resembling a domestic insurgency.

The Economist

Technically, the tower could have come closer to the sign.

The New York Times

Or do we come closer to the truth that way?

The Guardian - Arts

Greece had never come closer to euro exit, and united Europe had never come closer to collapse.

The Guardian

If Romney had managed that, he would have come closer to winning.

The New York Times

And yet, in that, Hartman might have come closer to the heart of the matter.

The New Yorker

And no one else in the technology industry has come closer to Jobs than Bezos.

The New Yorker

Foxes will come closer to a house if there are food sources.

Independent

The world has come closer to the goal of eliminating child labour.

Independent

Maybe he needs to prick the air balloons and come closer to earth.

The New York Times

"Each day we come closer to the Cuban model," Carlos Casanova, an opposition legislator, told parliament.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "come closer to" when you want to express a gradual approach or resemblance, whether physical or metaphorical. For instance, "The data come closer to confirming our hypothesis" or "Could you come closer to the microphone, please?"

Common error

Avoid using "come closer to" in overly abstract or philosophical contexts where a more precise verb like 'achieve', 'understand', or 'realize' would be more appropriate. Overusing it can dilute the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come closer to" functions primarily as a verb phrase acting as a command or an indicator of approximation. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in both literal and figurative contexts, highlighting its versatility. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

29%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "come closer to" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, used to denote both physical proximity and approximation. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. While it's essential for expressing nearness or resemblance, be mindful of its overuse in overly abstract situations. Alternatives like "approach" or "draw near to" can provide nuanced variations. This phrase offers a simple yet effective way to convey a sense of nearing or converging on a particular point, whether literal or figurative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

move closer to

Highlights the act of physically changing position to reduce distance.

approach

Emphasizes physical or metaphorical nearing, suggesting less of a gradual process.

get nearer to

Focuses on reducing the spatial or metaphorical distance.

draw near to

Implies a more deliberate and often cautious movement towards something.

approximate

Shifts the focus to reaching a state that is near to a desired condition or value.

resemble more closely

Highlights similarity and likeness, indicating an increase in resemblance.

verge on

Suggests approaching a boundary or threshold, often implying a potential change of state.

border on

Similar to 'verge on', but with an implication of nearly crossing a limit.

tend toward

Emphasizes a leaning or inclination in a particular direction.

converge on

Suggests multiple elements coming together towards a common point or goal.

FAQs

How can I use "come closer to" in a sentence?

You can use "come closer to" to indicate a physical approach, as in "Come closer to the fire to get warm", or a metaphorical approach, as in "Each day, we "come closer to understanding" the universe".

What are some synonyms for "come closer to"?

Alternatives for "come closer to" include "approach", "draw near to", or "move closer to", depending on the specific context and intended nuance.

Is it correct to say "come close to" instead of "come closer to"?

While "come close to" is also correct, "come closer to" often implies a gradual or continuous approach. "Come close to" suggests a near miss or a close proximity at a specific point. Depending on what you want to emphasize either "come close to" or “come closer to” is the correct form.

How does "come closer to" differ from "get closer to"?

"Come closer to" is often used as a direct request or instruction, while "get closer to" often describes a process or change over time. For example, "Please come closer to the stage" versus "We are gradually "getting closer to" a solution".