how close it was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how close it was" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the proximity or nearness of an event or situation, often in a context of comparison or reflection. Example: "During the final moments of the game, I realized just how close it was to being a tie."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 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

Debbie watched it happen on TV, not realizing how close it was.

The New Yorker

Yet they will also remember how close it was to going horribly wrong.

The Guardian - Sport

This match was so special because of the incredible level of tennis and how close it was for so long.

The New York Times

The score tells you how close it was but, sadly, Roddick was that little bit more clinical.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

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

What it shows is how close it is.

The Guardian - Sport

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

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an event's impact, use "how close it was" to build suspense or highlight the potential consequences of a slightly different outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "how close it was" when describing physical distances if you are trying to indicate emotional or relational closeness. Ensure your meaning is clear by choosing more precise language if necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how close it was" typically functions as a relative clause, often introducing a statement that emphasizes the nearness or proximity of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and readily usable in English. The examples show it can modify nouns or serve as a complement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Sport

17%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "how close it was" functions as a relative clause to emphasize the nearness or proximity of an event or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts. As the examples show, this phrase is most commonly found in news and media, sporting contexts, and general discussions, serving to highlight narrow margins, near misses, or the potential consequences of events. When writing, use this phrase to build suspense or emphasize significance, but ensure it aligns with the intended meaning, as misuse can confuse the reader. Remember that "how close it was" refers to past events, while "how close it is" refers to current situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how near it came

Emphasizes the almost-but-not-quite nature of a situation.

how thin the margin was

Highlights the narrowness of the difference between success and failure.

how narrowly it was averted

Focuses on the act of preventing something undesirable at the last moment.

the narrowness of the escape

Highlights the fact that the escape was possible at the last moment.

the proximity of the event

Refers to how near an event happened or was about to happen.

how touch-and-go it was

Indicates a precarious situation with an uncertain outcome.

how tight the situation became

Emphasizes the intensity and narrowness of a challenging situation.

how slender the lead was

Points out that advantage was gained on a very thin line.

just how close it got

Highlights a situation that almost happened.

the closeness of the call

Describes an event in which there was an advantage but a mistake would turn everything upside down.

FAQs

How can I use "how close it was" in a sentence?

You can use "how close it was" to describe a near miss, a tight competition, or any situation where the outcome was almost different. For example: "We didn't realize "how close it was" to the deadline until the last minute."

What are some alternatives to saying "how close it was"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "how near it came", "how thin the margin was", or "the proximity of the event".

Is "how close it was" grammatically correct?

Yes, "how close it was" is grammatically correct. It functions as a relative clause, often used to express a sense of nearness or proximity to a particular outcome or event.

What is the difference between "how close it was" and "how close it is"?

"How close it was" refers to a past event or situation, while "how close it is" refers to a current or ongoing situation. For example, "Looking back, we realized "how close it was" to disaster." vs "We are monitoring "how close it is" to the target."