feel close to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel close to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a relationship (romantic or otherwise) or a shared emotion or experience. For example: I always feel close to my best friend when I share my secrets with her.

✓ Grammatically correct

Relationships

Emotions

Personal experiences

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

'Always' and 'Often' 'Sometimes' 'Rarely' and 'Never' Not feeling close to familyb Do you feel close to your family?

Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes

It makes her feel close to him.

The New York Times - Magazine

They feel close to success.

The Guardian

I feel close to it.

The New York Times - Books

"It makes you feel close to her".

The New York Times

You really feel close to nature here.

The Guardian - Travel

Strangely, wonderfully, I feel close to you now.

Independent

The English especially like to feel close to the action.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a time I feel close to," he says.

The Guardian - Film

I always feel close to you," he says.

The Guardian

Many of her readers seemed to feel close to her.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel close to" to express a sense of emotional connection with people, places, or ideas. For instance, "I feel close to my family" indicates a strong emotional bond.

Common error

Avoid using "feel close to" excessively in formal writing. Opt for more professional alternatives like "strongly connected" or "closely associated" to maintain a refined tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel close to" functions as a linking verb followed by an adjective phrase. It connects the subject to a feeling of nearness or connection, whether emotional, physical, or metaphorical. Ludwig AI indicates it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

11%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel close to" is a common and correct way to express a sense of emotional connection or proximity, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's versatile, appearing in various contexts from personal relationships to connections with nature or ideas. While generally neutral in tone, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives in professional writing. Remember that "feel close to" emphasizes an emotional sensation, distinguishing it from mere physical closeness. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase its widespread use in reputable sources like the New York Times and The Guardian, confirming its reliability in diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel connected to

Focuses on a sense of being linked or united, emphasizing a psychological connection.

have a strong connection with

Emphasizes a robust and significant bond, highlighting the depth of the relationship.

share a deep bond with

Highlights a shared emotional connection, focusing on mutual feelings and understanding.

feel a kinship with

Emphasizes a sense of familial or tribal connection, suggesting shared origins or characteristics.

have an affinity for

Suggests a natural liking or attraction, emphasizing a positive and harmonious relationship.

resonate with

Implies a sense of emotional or intellectual agreement, highlighting shared values or beliefs.

be attached to

Highlights emotional dependence or fondness, focusing on the emotional bond formed.

cherish

Implies a deep appreciation and affection, emphasizing the value placed on the relationship or object.

hold dear

Suggests that something is highly valued and important, emphasizing its significance to the individual.

have a soft spot for

Indicates a particular fondness or affection, emphasizing a gentle and tender feeling.

FAQs

How can I use "feel close to" in a sentence?

You can use "feel close to" to describe a sense of emotional connection or intimacy. For example, "I feel close to my siblings because we grew up together", or "She feels close to nature when hiking in the mountains".

What are some alternatives to "feel close to"?

Alternatives include "feel connected to", "have a strong connection with", or "share a deep bond with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "feel closely to" instead of "feel close to"?

No, the correct expression is "feel close to". "Closely" is an adverb and doesn't fit the structure needed to express emotional connection in this context. Use "feel close to".

What's the difference between "feel close to" and "be close to"?

"Feel close to" emphasizes the emotional sensation of connection, while "be close to" can refer to physical proximity or a general relationship. You might "feel close to" someone you haven't seen in a while, or "be close to" someone who lives nearby.