how close it is

USAGE SUMMARY

'how close it is' is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example, you could use it in a sentence like this: "I can't believe how close it is to the end of the year already."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The best way to demonstrate its newness, and how close it is to the original text, is to compare it with an old translation.

The Guardian - Books

Other characteristics of the fault, such as its orientation or how close it is to the Earth's crust, also affect the tidal response.

Los Angeles Times

Its effect depends on how close it is, and ground shaking will be severe within 10 to 20 kilometres of the rupture.

The Guardian

Having the whole bottle before us, we feel we can judge how close it is to being a perfect instance of its type.

The New York Times

That's how close it is.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's mind-boggling to me, how close it is.

The New Yorker

And you should see how close it is.

Princeton University

"I don't care how close it is to Manhattan.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"That's how close it was".

The New York Times

"No matter how close it was".

The New York Times - Sports

I know how close it was.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing distances, be specific. Instead of just saying "how close it is", provide concrete measurements or reference points for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "how close it is" as a generic filler. Ensure the context clearly defines what "it" refers to and why the closeness matters. Vague usage weakens your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how close it is" functions as a relative clause, often serving as a noun complement or adverbial modifier. It introduces information about the proximity or nearness of something, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "how close it is" is a versatile phrase functioning as a relative clause, commonly used to describe proximity in various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, academic writing, and scientific reports, indicating a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. When using this phrase, be specific about what "it" refers to and consider more formal alternatives like "the degree of its proximity" for elevated writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how near it stands

Replaces "close" with "near" and shifts the verb to "stands" emphasizing physical proximity.

the closeness of the object

Focuses on object's closeness, which may be physical or abstract.

the extent of its nearness

Formalizes the phrase by using "extent" and "nearness", focusing on the degree of proximity.

the measure of its proximity

Focuses on quantifiable closeness, suggesting that the distance can be measured.

the degree of its adjacency

Emphasizes the concept of being next to something, implying a shared boundary or immediate vicinity.

the brevity of its separation

Highlights the small distance separating two things, emphasizing how little space divides them.

how intimately it relates

Shifts the focus to a relationship, suggesting a close connection or association rather than physical distance.

to what extent it neighbors

Describes the act of being a neighbor, stressing the concept of living or existing nearby.

the level of its connection

Emphasizes a link or bond, which may or may not imply physical closeness.

the tightness of its fit

Refers to how well something fits or belongs, rather than spatial closeness.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "how close it is" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "the degree of its proximity" or "the extent of its nearness". These options offer a more sophisticated way to express closeness.

What does "how close it is" imply in a metaphorical sense?

Metaphorically, "how close it is" can refer to the nearness of a goal, a deadline, or a particular outcome. For example, "how close it is to completion" suggests a project is nearing its end.

Is there a difference between saying "how near it is" and "how close it is"?

The phrases "how near it is" and "how close it is" are largely interchangeable in most contexts. "Close" tends to be more common in everyday language, while "near" might be perceived as slightly more formal.

How to use "how close it is" in a sentence describing spatial relationships?

You can use "how close it is" to describe the proximity of objects or locations. For instance, "Notice how close it is to a nearby hospital?" indicates the short distance between the object and the hospital.