going to be close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "going to be close" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when predicting that something will be near a certain point or outcome, often in terms of time, distance, or results. Example: "The race is going to be close, with only a few seconds separating the top competitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"This election was always going to be close because we live in a closely divided country".

Huffington Post

It's going to be close.

Independent

(Spoiler: it's going to be close).

The New Yorker

"It's going to be close," Arifianto said.

The Washington Post

"I think it's going to be close.

The Guardian

"I think it's going to be close," he said.

The New York Times

I don't see how it's going to be close.

The New York Times

"We know these things are going to be close".

The New York Times - Sports

"I thought it was going to be close.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's going to be close-run thing".

Independent

Firehouses are not going to be closed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "going to be close", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being measured or compared. For instance, specify whether you're referring to a score, distance, time, or other relevant metric to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "going to be close" when the outcome is already determined or highly predictable. This phrase implies uncertainty, so use it only when a genuine possibility exists for a narrow margin or tight competition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going to be close" functions as a predictive expression, indicating an expectation that a future event or situation will result in a narrow margin or tight competition. Ludwig's examples show its application in various contexts like elections, sports, and general outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

91%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "going to be close" is a versatile phrase used to predict a narrow margin or tight competition. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in news and media contexts. While there are more formal alternatives, this phrase is widely accepted and understood in both neutral and professional settings. Keep in mind its predictive nature and apply it when the outcome is genuinely uncertain. Considering Ludwig examples, "going to be close" serves as a useful expression to set expectations for keenly contested situations across different facets of life.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

likely to be tight

Emphasizes the narrow margin and high competition.

expected to be nip and tuck

Suggests a very close contest where the lead changes frequently.

anticipated to be neck and neck

Highlights the evenness of the competition, implying continuous close proximity.

predicted to be a photo finish

Indicates an extremely tight race where the winner is difficult to determine until the very end.

shaping up to be competitive

Focuses on the increasing rivalry and potential for a close outcome.

projected to be hard-fought

Emphasizes the intensity and effort involved in achieving a close result.

thought to be anyone's game

Highlights the uncertainty and equal opportunity for any participant to win.

considered to be touch and go

Suggests a precarious situation where the outcome is uncertain and could change at any moment.

deemed to be on a knife-edge

Implies a critical and unstable situation where the outcome could easily swing in either direction.

estimated to be a cliffhanger

Highlights the suspenseful and uncertain nature of the situation until the very end.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is described as "going to be close"?

When something is described as "going to be close", it means the outcome is uncertain and the difference between competitors or results is expected to be small. It suggests a tight contest or a narrow margin.

How can I use "going to be close" in a sentence?

You can use "going to be close" to describe a variety of situations. For example, "The election is "going to be close", so every vote counts" or "The game is "going to be close", with both teams evenly matched."

What can I say instead of "going to be close"?

You can use alternatives like "likely to be tight", "expected to be nip and tuck", or "anticipated to be neck and neck" depending on the context.

Is "going to be close" formal or informal?

"Going to be close" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain professional or academic settings.