ever so closer

USAGE SUMMARY

'ever so closer' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as an idiom to convey a sense of gradually and steadily increasing closeness, for example: "We are getting ever so closer to reaching our goal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Right: how much do I owe you for the petrol?" "Ah, yes, hello my pretty, hello my pretty darling, won't you get ever so closer to me, my pretty little darling, please, Daddy's hearing isn't so good these days, and: my, don't we smell just delightful, haven't we got a musk, my my my, yes, very pretty, very pretty indeed.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Man is ever so close to success.

The Economist

But Columbia has been ever so close.

Cornell University

Once again, she came ever so close to winning.

The New York Times - Sports

It's cheery if ever so close to antiseptic.

The New York Times - Food

Bourque is ever so close to his first.

The New York Times - Sports

The Toffees came ever so close to breaking into the top four last season under Roberto Martinez.

Independent

Fate carries him ever so close to the prize and then veers away.

The New York Times - Sports

He was ever so close out there to another Wimbledon crown and this is the surface which he is better suited to.

Independent

However, special mention must go to Graham Clark, who comes ever so close by putting forward former Queen's Park defender David Alexander.

The Guardian - Sport

Might the dream be a local derby of unfathomable proportions, one ever so close to home on a level besides geography?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ever so closer" to add a touch of refinement or understatement to your writing when describing a gradual approach or increase in proximity.

Common error

Avoid using "ever so closer" in highly informal settings as its slightly formal tone may sound out of place. Consider using simpler alternatives like "getting closer" or "nearing" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ever so closer" primarily functions as an adverbial modifier, enhancing the description of movement or progress towards a destination or goal. It indicates a gradual and subtle approach, adding a layer of refinement to the statement. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ever so closer" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a gradual and subtle approach or increase in proximity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not overly common, it finds its place in news, academic, and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal tone. Consider its subtle refinement when selecting it for your writing, and be aware of more common alternatives like "steadily approaching" or "inching closer" for informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

steadily approaching

Focuses on the continuous and consistent nature of the movement.

gradually nearing

Highlights the step-by-step nature of becoming closer.

inching closer

Emphasizes small increments in reducing distance.

drawing nearer

A more formal way of expressing the act of approaching.

closing in

Suggests a sense of confinement or pursuit while getting closer.

becoming more proximate

A more technical or academic way to describe increasing closeness.

getting within reach

Focuses on achieving a distance where something can be obtained or influenced.

advancing steadily

Highlights forward progress and stability.

closing the gap

Focuses on the reduction of a space or difference between two things.

moving imperceptibly closer

Emphasizes that the motion is subtle or difficult to notice.

FAQs

How can I use "ever so closer" in a sentence?

You can use "ever so closer" to describe a gradual approach or increase in proximity, such as, "We are getting ever so closer to our destination".

What does "ever so" mean?

"Ever so" is an intensifier, similar to "very" or "slightly". It adds emphasis to the adjective or adverb that follows.

Which is a better alternative: "steadily approaching" or "ever so closer"?

Both "steadily approaching" and "ever so closer" describe a gradual movement. "Ever so closer" adds a touch of understatement, while "steadily approaching" focuses on consistent movement.

What is the difference between "ever so closer" and "inching closer"?

"Ever so closer" suggests a refined or subtle increase in proximity. "Inching closer" implies small, often laborious, increments in reducing distance.