get up close

USAGE SUMMARY

"get up close" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to refer to a physical closeness between two people or things, or the ability to analyze something in greater detail. For example, you could say "I was able to get up close and inspect the painting more closely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Get up close and personal with the real thing".

The New York Times - Arts

We get up close because we have to.

The New York Times

Get up close and you just see black and white.

The Guardian

Get up close and make up your own mind.

The Guardian

Get up close to the island wildlife.

Huffington Post

Get Up Close With Takashi Murakami's Personal Art Collection.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

For best results get up-close to your subject (approx 2-3cm away).

The Guardian - Tech

Fans have the rare opportunity to get up-close and personal.

The New York Times - Sports

She admitted that she lets fans get up-close and very personal with them.

Huffington Post

Get up-close and personal: Always get up-close and personal with the action, don't zoom in.

WikiHow

Always get up-close and personal with the action, don't zoom in.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get up close" when you want to emphasize a physical or metaphorical reduction of distance between the observer and the subject.

Common error

Avoid substituting "get up close" with phrases that only imply observation without the element of reducing distance, like "look at". "Get up close" implies a deliberate action to be nearer.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "get up close" primarily functions as a directive or descriptive phrase indicating physical proximity or a detailed examination. Ludwig's examples show it used in contexts ranging from approaching physical objects to analyzing abstract concepts, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of its usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

23%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

6%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get up close" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe physical proximity or detailed examination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a grammatically sound and widely used phrase, primarily appearing in news and wiki contexts. Its function ranges from directing physical action to encouraging detailed analysis. Related phrases like "approach closely" or "take a closer look" can be used as alternatives, depending on the context. Remember to use "get up close" when you want to emphasize reducing distance between observer and subject, whether physically or intellectually. Ludwig’s examples demonstrate its wide applicability, solidifying its status as a valuable phrase in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a closer look

Suggests an intentional act of examining something in more detail.

approach closely

Focuses on the action of nearing something.

get a close view

Focuses on obtaining a detailed visual perspective.

draw nearer

Emphasizes the gradual reduction of distance.

move in close

Highlights the movement aspect of getting near.

come into proximity

Uses more formal language to indicate nearness.

examine minutely

Shifts focus to the detailed inspection facilitated by closeness.

inspect intimately

Emphasizes a deeper, more thorough level of inspection.

observe intimately

Highlights observing with a high level of detail and personal connection.

scrutinize carefully

Highlights the careful and thorough examination.

FAQs

How can I use "get up close" in a sentence?

You can use "get up close" to describe physically approaching something, such as "I wanted to "get up close" to the stage to see the band better". It can also mean examining something carefully, like "Get up close and examine the details of the painting".

What does it mean to "get up close" and personal?

To "get up close" and personal means to become intimately involved or familiar with someone or something, often implying a level of emotional or physical closeness that may be intense or revealing.

What can I say instead of "get up close"?

You can use alternatives like "approach closely", "take a closer look", or "examine minutely" depending on the context.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "get up close"?

The phrase "get up close" is appropriate in many situations, such as describing viewing art, approaching wildlife, or examining details. However, it's essential to consider the context and ensure that the phrase does not imply inappropriate or intrusive behavior.