how close you are

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how close you are" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to inquire about someone's proximity or relationship to a particular situation or person. Example: "I want to know how close you are to finishing the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

On every play you see how close you are.

The New York Times - Sports

"And it changes depending on how close you are".

The Guardian - Tech

But are you comfortable having people know how close you are with him?

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's not like you are getting judged on how close you are to the real fruit.

The New Yorker

It has indicator lights that represent how close you are to your daily activity goal.

The New York Times

What else you might do depends upon how close you are to either of them.

The New York Times

And HSPA+ is greatly affected by how close you are to a tower.

The New York Times

• Marvel at how sensors monitor blind spots and how close you are to the traffic ahead.

The New York Times

Other financial experts suggest you consider the family connection: how close you are to the person asking for a guarantor.

The New York Times

Everybody should have this: a way to quickly, visually and easily see how close you are to your monthly limits.

The New York Times

It beeps when you face north and the intensity of the beeps shows how close you are.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about progress or achievement, ensure clarity by specifying what the subject is close to achieving. For instance, instead of just saying "Consider "how close you are"," clarify with "Consider "how close you are" to reaching your target audience."

Common error

Don't use "how close you are" without specifying what the subject is near or progressing towards. Vague references can confuse the reader. Instead of saying "You need to know "how close you are"," specify "You need to know "how close you are" to meeting your quota."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how close you are" functions as a clause, often serving as a complement to verbs like 'know', 'see', 'realize', or 'depend'. It introduces a dependent clause expressing the degree of proximity, whether physical or metaphorical. Ludwig AI validates its broad applicability through diverse examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

23%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "how close you are" is a versatile and frequently used expression for indicating proximity, progress, or relationship closeness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It's suitable for diverse contexts, ranging from tracking progress toward goals to discussing interpersonal relationships. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what the subject is close to achieving or near. While generally neutral in register, context dictates the level of formality. Remember, while "how near you are" can be a good alternative, select synonyms based on desired nuance and setting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what your proximity is

Emphasizes physical nearness or the degree of being near.

how near you stand

Focuses on the physical distance between the speaker and another entity.

the extent of your nearness

Highlights the degree to which something is close or imminent.

how intimately connected you are

Stresses the level of connection or relationship with someone or something.

the degree of your involvement

Highlights the extent of participation or engagement in a particular situation.

how far along you are

Indicates progress or advancement toward a goal or endpoint.

what stage of completion you've reached

Emphasizes the phase or level of progress achieved in a task or project.

your degree of advancement

Highlights progress toward a goal.

how imminent it is for you

Highlights the proximity in time to an event.

the level of your accomplishment

Emphasizes what has been completed instead of focusing on proximity.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "how close you are" to indicate physical proximity?

To emphasize physical nearness, you can use phrases like "how near you are" or "what your proximity is" to a specific location or object.

What's a more formal way to say "how close you are" in a business context?

In professional settings, consider using phrases like "the degree of your involvement" or "the level of your accomplishment" depending on the intended meaning.

When should I use "how far along you are" instead of "how close you are"?

Use "how far along you are" when referring to progress in a project or task. For instance, "Consider how far along you are with the proposal."

Is "how close you are" appropriate for discussing emotional relationships?

Yes, it is appropriate. However, for a more nuanced approach, consider using phrases such as "how intimately connected you are" or specify the nature of the relationship: "Remember, your life may depend on "how close you are" to your spouse".