huddling close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "huddling close" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe people or animals gathering together closely for warmth, comfort, or protection. Example: "As the storm raged outside, the children were huddling close together under the blankets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Gentle swelling fields becoming rolling hills, which become limestone uplands with hills huddling close together.

The New York Times - Travel

E M Forster came to stay, and got so cold he burned his trousers huddling close to the oil stove.

The Guardian

Most of the small brick houses in Xinguang Sancun, huddling close to one another, are going to rack and ruin.

The Guardian

Trump becomes like someone who is huddling close to tell a secret, or like a salesman giving you the inside scoop on a deal. .

Los Angeles Times

Two strapping men roam dense forests, splash in mountain lakes and kiss passionately, before huddling close to one another by candlelight.

Huffington Post

The only consolation for the general enshittening of everything that comes with the autumn months is the lingering magic and the seasonal commonality; all of us huddling close by the last embers of the fire as the cold screams outside.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The women on line keep huddling closer.

The New York Times

They're playing way back from the lip of the stage to avoid getting wet, huddling closer than they would at a small club.

The New York Times

As my colleague Larry Elliott has already described, the EU is huddling closer together against the chill winds blowing from the debt markets with only a T-shirt and shorts for cover.

The Guardian - Business

It's begun to rain and we huddle close together.

The New York Times

A middle-aged couple huddled close by, trembling.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "huddling close" to vividly describe a group seeking warmth, protection, or intimacy in shared physical proximity. It enhances imagery and emotional impact.

Common error

Avoid using "huddling close" to describe situations where physical closeness isn't the primary focus. For instance, don't use it to describe a group merely discussing something intensely, as it implies a physical need for closeness rather than a shared interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "huddling close" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun. It illustrates an action of drawing near for warmth, protection, or intimacy, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "huddling close" is a grammatically sound descriptive phrase used to depict physical proximity, often for warmth or protection. Ludwig AI indicates that it is appropriate for general descriptive purposes across various contexts, with a primary usage in News & Media. While alternatives like "snuggling together" or "cuddling up" exist, "huddling close" specifically evokes an image of seeking comfort or security in shared physical space. Therefore, while not exceptionally common, its clear meaning and correct usage make it a valuable addition to descriptive vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

huddling together for warmth

More explicitly states the purpose of huddling.

snuggling together

Focuses on affection and comfort rather than just physical closeness.

cuddling up

Implies a more intimate and affectionate form of huddling.

nestling close

Implies a gentle and protective closeness, like a bird in a nest.

gathering closely

A more general term for coming together, without necessarily implying warmth or protection.

hugging tightly

Highlights the embrace and physical bonding.

clustering together

Suggests a group forming a tight bunch, often for efficiency or protection.

pressing together

Emphasizes the physical contact and force of the closeness.

drawing near

Indicates a movement towards closeness, rather than a static state.

converging intimately

Focuses on closeness in a personal and private manner.

FAQs

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

You can use "huddling close" to describe people or animals gathering together for warmth, comfort, or protection. For example, "During the blackout, the family was huddling close to the fireplace."

What are some alternatives to "huddling close"?

Alternatives include "snuggling together", "cuddling up", or "gathering closely", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "huddling close"?

Yes, "huddling close" is grammatically correct. "Huddling" is a gerund, functioning as a noun modifier, and "close" modifies the action of huddling, describing how they are huddling.

What is the difference between "huddling close" and "huddling closely"?

"Huddling close" implies a physical proximity and a sense of intimacy or shared need, while "huddling closely" would focus more on the manner in which the huddling is done (e.g., carefully, secretly) although "huddling close" is more common.