got close

USAGE SUMMARY

"got close" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in various situations to indicate that someone or something came close to achieving or experiencing something. Example: Despite their best efforts, the team got close to winning the championship but ultimately fell short.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Contexts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I got close.

The New York Times - Sports

Nobody else got close.

The New Yorker

We got close.

The New York Times

He got close, really close.

The Economist

He never got close again.

Independent

He got close.

The New York Times - Sports

"They got close.

The New York Times - Books

The blades got close.

The New York Times

Nothing else got close.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Temple never got closer.

The New York Times - Sports

The shelling got closer.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "got close" to convey a sense of near-success or proximity to a goal, situation, or person. It's more informal than "approached closely" and can add a relatable tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "got close" in highly formal or academic writing where a more precise or sophisticated term like "approached" or "neared" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got close" functions as a verbal phrase indicating that someone or something approached a specific point, goal, or condition. It's commonly used to describe situations where something almost happened or a target was nearly reached, as illustrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Sports

22%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "got close" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to express proximity to a location, goal, or state. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid. While its register is generally neutral, it leans slightly towards informal, making it suitable for various contexts, particularly news, sports, and general conversation. It's crucial to consider the audience and context, opting for more formal alternatives like "approached" or "neared" in academic or highly professional settings. The phrase's communicative purpose is to highlight progress and nearness to an outcome, making it a versatile tool for writers. Consider using alternatives like "came near" or "almost reached" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

came near

Emphasizes the act of approaching a certain point or goal, similar to getting close.

approached closely

Highlights the proximity achieved, suggesting a careful or deliberate approach.

almost reached

Focuses on the near attainment of a specific target or level.

narrowly missed

Implies a failure to achieve something by a small margin.

came within reach

Suggests that something was nearly obtainable or achievable.

skirted the edge

Highlights the act of being close to a boundary or limit.

grazed the surface

Indicates a slight or superficial contact, implying closeness without full engagement.

was on the verge

Suggests being at the point of experiencing or achieving something.

nearly attained

Similar to almost reached, but with a more formal tone.

came within a hair's breadth

Emphasizes the extremely small margin by which something was missed or achieved.

FAQs

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

You can use "got close" to indicate nearness in various contexts. For instance, "The negotiations got close to a resolution" or "He got close to the answer but didn't quite solve the problem".

What are some alternatives to "got close"?

Alternatives include "came near", "almost reached", or "narrowly missed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "got close to" or "came close to"?

Both "got close to" and "came close to" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice often depends on personal preference or the desired tone. "Got close" is slightly more informal.

What's the difference between "got close" and "became close"?

"Got close" typically refers to nearing a physical location, goal, or solution. "Became close", on the other hand, usually describes developing an emotional or personal connection with someone.