even come close

USAGE SUMMARY

This phrase is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that something does not even approach a certain level or standard. For example, "My skills do not even come close to those of a trained chef."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Never even come close.

The New Yorker

We don't even come close.

The New York Times

"He hasn't even come close.

The New York Times

Didn't even come close.

The New Yorker

"Haven't even come close in some cases".

The New York Times

This case doesn't even come close".

The New York Times

It didn't even come close.

The New Yorker

They wouldn't even come close.

The Guardian

It doesn't even come close".

The New York Times

"Nothing has even come close.

The New York Times

"But the figures don't even come close.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "even come close" to emphasize a significant gap between an expected or desired outcome and the actual result, enhancing the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "even come close" when describing something successful or positive; the phrase inherently implies a failure to reach a certain standard or expectation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even come close" functions as an intensifier emphasizing a lack of proximity or achievement. It is used to strongly negate any suggestion of nearing a particular level or standard. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, showcasing its role in stressing the disparity between an actual outcome and an expected one.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "even come close" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed idiom used to stress the significant difference between a target and the actual outcome. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms that this phrase can be used to highlight an unfulfilled expectation. With its consistent presence in authoritative news and media outlets, "even come close" functions as a versatile tool for clearly expressing a notable lack of achievement in various contexts. Avoid using it in positive contexts. Consider alternatives such as "not even approach" or "fall far short of" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not remotely close

Intensifies the idea of not being close by adding "remotely", stressing the complete lack of proximity or similarity.

not even approach

Replaces "come close" with "approach", focusing on the idea of nearing a certain point or level. The structure remains similar.

fall far short of

Emphasizes the large gap between the actual result and the desired or expected outcome. It's a more dramatic way of saying something didn't come close.

nowhere near

A more informal way of saying something isn't close to a certain standard or level. Focuses on distance, both literal and figurative.

miles away from

Uses the imagery of physical distance to emphasize the disparity between two things. More informal and expressive.

not even in the ballpark

Uses a baseball analogy to illustrate that something isn't even close to being correct or accurate. Conversational and relatable.

not in the same league

Highlights the difference in quality or ability, implying a significant disparity. It's often used in competitive contexts.

a far cry from

Indicates a significant difference or contrast between two things, often implying disappointment. It's more figurative and expressive.

bear no comparison to

Highlights the inability to compare two things due to significant differences in quality or scale. More formal and emphatic.

doesn't hold a candle to

An idiomatic expression indicating that something is far inferior to something else. Figurative and adds a touch of humor.

FAQs

How can I use "even come close" in a sentence?

You can use "even come close" to emphasize a significant difference or failure to reach a certain standard. For example, "His performance didn't "even come close" to expectations."

What does "even come close" mean?

"Even come close" means to not even approach a certain level, standard, or expectation. It indicates a significant gap or failure to achieve something.

What are some alternatives to "even come close"?

Alternatives to "even come close" include phrases like "not even approach", "fall far short of", or "nowhere near", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "not even come close"?

Yes, "not even come close" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to emphasize the lack of proximity or similarity to a certain standard or expectation.