go up close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "go up close" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of approaching something or someone closely, often to observe or interact with it more intimately. Example: "To get a better view of the artwork, I decided to go up close and examine the details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

We go up close with all of it and bring it to you in this episode of TC Makers.

TechCrunch

"But then you go up close, and you see the languages represented by the keys, and the strange accents".

The New York Times - Arts

The painting puts us in their position: we too can go up close to look at Susannah's nude body.

The Guardian - Arts

Go up close to the brick on the ground floor: within the mortar bedding, French put thin strips of slate, a cunning little decorative detail.

The New York Times

In a news release, Stephen Greenberg, a New York-based physician, says he "has seen requests for procedures around Father's Day go up close to 50 percent among men; the highest level than any other time of year".

The New York Times

The four hourlong episodes in the fourth "Art:21" season, starting tomorrow night on PBS, go up close and personal with 15 individual artists and one two-person team.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Leibovitz recalled that, to her surprise, she found herself going "up close to it" to examine its alabaster buttons and the texture of the cloth.

The New Yorker

Partisans roughed up opposing candidates and activists, carried guns near polling stations to intimidate voters, bought votes with cash, meals and prostitutes (some lamented selling too early, as prices went up closer to election day), and stuffed ballot boxes.

The Economist

But my father recognised something else and went up close.

The Guardian - Opinion

I put on a gown, gloves, and a mask, and went up close.

The New Yorker

About seven tents went up close to the neighborhood of Lafayette Park, with occupants saying they have been forced on to the street through lack of work.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "go up close" when you want to emphasize a deliberate action of approaching something for a better view or interaction. For example, "Go up close to the painting to appreciate the brushstrokes."

Common error

Avoid using "go up close" in situations where maintaining personal space is crucial or where approaching too closely might be intrusive or inappropriate. Consider the social context and the potential discomfort it might cause.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go up close" functions as a phrasal verb indicating the action of reducing the distance between oneself and an object or person. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, signifying approach for observation or interaction. It is often used to describe physical movement toward something to examine it more carefully.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "go up close" is a commonly used phrasal verb that describes the action of approaching something to reduce distance and enhance observation or interaction. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability in written English. While generally neutral in register, context matters when using this phrase: assess social appropriateness. Alternatives like "approach closely" or "move nearer" offer similar meanings. It's frequently found in news, media and wiki contexts. Using "go up close" effectively involves considering the level of intimacy and potential intrusion in different situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approach closely

Emphasizes the action of nearing something with minimal change in meaning.

move nearer

Focuses on the movement towards something, implying a reduction in distance.

come closer

Highlights the act of reducing the space between two entities.

draw near

A slightly more formal way of expressing the act of approaching.

get nearer

Similar to "move nearer" but with a slightly different emphasis on the final proximity.

walk up to

Specifically refers to approaching on foot.

step up to

Implies a more deliberate and often confrontational approach.

advance toward

Suggests a formal and purposeful approach.

edge closer

Implies a cautious and gradual approach.

creep up to

Suggests a stealthy and secretive approach.

FAQs

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

You can use "go up close" to describe the act of approaching something or someone to get a better look or interact with them more intimately. For example, "To examine the intricate details of the antique clock, I had to go up close."

What's an alternative to "go up close"?

Alternatives include "approach closely", "move nearer", or "come closer". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it always appropriate to "go up close"?

No, consider the social context. "Going up close" might be inappropriate if it violates personal space or disrupts a formal setting. In such cases, it's better to "observe from a distance".

How does "go up close" differ from simply "approach"?

"Go up close" implies a deliberate and often intimate approach, suggesting the purpose is to get a better look or engage more fully. "Approach" is a more general term and doesn't necessarily suggest the same level of proximity or intent. You could also "draw near" or "walk up to" something.