extremely close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extremely close" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where two things are very near to each other in distance, similarity, or relationship. Example: "The two competitors were extremely close in their final scores, making the outcome of the race very exciting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We're all extremely close.

The Guardian

This is extremely close.

The Guardian - Sport

"We became extremely close.

The Guardian - Books

You are extremely close?

The Guardian - Music

We had been extremely close.

The New York Times

They become extremely close.

The Guardian - Sport

And I got extremely close.

The Guardian - Sport

The game was extremely close.

The New York Times - Sports

They are actually extremely close.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

He came up through ABT and we were extremely close.

Los Angeles Times

It is also extremely close to its star.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "extremely close" to convey a high degree of proximity, similarity, or intimacy, but be mindful of overusing it in contexts where a simpler term like "very near" would suffice.

Common error

Avoid stacking intensifiers with "extremely close"; phrases like "very extremely close" are redundant. Choose the appropriate level of intensity in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extremely close" functions primarily as an adjectival modifier, intensifying the adjective "close". It describes a heightened state of nearness, similarity, or intimacy, as evidenced by examples in Ludwig, where it modifies relationships, distances, and qualities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "extremely close" functions as an adjectival modifier indicating a high degree of nearness, similarity, or intimacy. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in news and media, though adaptable to other contexts. When writing, consider the appropriate level of intensity and avoid redundant intensifiers. Alternative phrases like "very near" or "intimately connected" may offer suitable substitutes depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very near

Emphasizes physical proximity or nearness, reducing the intensity of the adjective.

intimately connected

Highlights a deep, personal relationship or strong association.

highly similar

Focuses on the resemblance or likeness between two or more things.

closely linked

Suggests a strong association or dependency between items or ideas.

inseparable

Implies a bond that cannot be broken or a distance that cannot be created.

thick as thieves

An idiomatic expression that denotes a strong, loyal friendship.

deeply involved

Indicates a significant level of participation or commitment.

neck and neck

Used to describe a situation in which competitors are at the same level.

on the verge

Indicates a point of transition or imminent occurrence.

nip and tuck

Used to describe a situation in which the result is uncertain.

FAQs

How can I use "extremely close" in a sentence?

You can use "extremely close" to describe relationships, distances, or similarities. For instance, "They were "extremely close" friends" or "The two buildings are "extremely close" to each other".

What are some alternatives to "extremely close"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "very near", "highly similar", or "intimately connected".

Is it grammatically correct to say "extremely close"?

Yes, "extremely close" is grammatically correct. It's a common and accepted way to intensify the adjective "close".

What's the difference between "extremely close" and "very close"?

"Extremely close" suggests a higher degree of proximity, similarity, or intimacy than "very close". The choice depends on the intended emphasis.