had close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had close" is not correct and usable in written English as it stands.
It may be part of a larger expression, such as "had close ties" or "had close relationships," which would be correct. Example: "They had close ties with the community, which helped them gain support for their project."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Many others have had close calls.

Independent

"I hadn't had close friends before.

The New York Times

It had close to 100,000 residents.

The New York Times

Mr. Monserrate had close ties with the group.

The New York Times

Other commissioners have also had close ties to the industry.

The New York Times

"I've had close races in the past," he said.

The New York Times

The two companies have had close ties for awhile.

The New York Times

In the 1960s, it still had close to 200.

Independent

SENATOR COLLINS once had close ties to the group.

The New York Times

All of us had had close calls over the years.

The New York Times

If he had close friends, none have spoken publicly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always follow "had close" with a noun that specifies the type of relationship or interaction, such as "ties", "contact", or "relationship".

Common error

Avoid using "had close" without specifying what the closeness refers to. It lacks context and can be grammatically incorrect. Always clarify the relationship or situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had close" functions as part of a larger verb phrase, typically requiring a noun to complete its meaning. Without additional context, it's grammatically incomplete. Ludwig suggests that this phrase is often used in expressions like "had close ties" or "had close relationships".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "had close" appears frequently, it is grammatically incomplete and requires a noun to specify the nature of the closeness. Ludwig AI highlights that it is often part of expressions like "had close ties", "had close contact", or "had a close relationship". The phrase is common in News & Media and Science contexts, but less so in others. Therefore, always ensure to complete the phrase with a relevant noun to provide context and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had close ties

This phrase specifies a close relationship or connection, adding necessary context.

had a close relationship

This emphasizes a personal connection, making the relationship more explicit.

had close contact

This refers to physical proximity or interaction, providing a specific type of closeness.

had a close connection

This indicates a bond or link, either emotional or logical.

had close links

Similar to "ties", this suggests connections, especially in business or political contexts.

had close affinities

Highlights similarities or shared interests, making the connection about shared traits.

maintained close proximity

Focuses on the physical closeness, stressing the nearness in space or time.

shared a close bond

Emphasizes an emotional link, suggesting a strong, affectionate relationship.

had a near miss

This refers to narrowly avoiding an accident or disaster, changing the context entirely.

had nearly

This indicates an approximation or near completion of something, shifting the focus from relationships to actions.

FAQs

What does "had close" usually mean in a complete sentence?

The phrase "had close" is typically part of a larger expression, such as "had close ties", "had close contact", or "had a close relationship", indicating a strong connection or interaction.

What can I say instead of "had close"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "maintained close ties", "shared a close bond", or "had a near miss". Always ensure the alternative fits the intended meaning.

Is it correct to say "had close" by itself?

No, "had close" is generally not correct by itself. It needs to be followed by a noun that specifies the type of closeness, such as "ties", "contact", or "relationship". Without this, the phrase is incomplete and grammatically awkward.

How do I use "had close ties" in a sentence?

You can use "had close ties" to indicate a strong connection between people, organizations, or ideas. For example, "The company had close ties with the local community, which helped them gain support for their project."