inappropriately close to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inappropriately close to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is unacceptably near or intimate in a context that is deemed unsuitable or improper. Example: "The two colleagues were found to be inappropriately close to each other during the office party, raising concerns among their peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In the jostling, they said, he became inappropriately close to the woman — [a] taboo in Afghan culture.

The New York Times

In the jostling, they said, he became inappropriately close to the woman — another taboo in Afghan culture.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Possibly his inappropriately close relations with the emperor's daughter were an aggravating factor.

The Guardian

Smith said the text was an attempt to get Michel off his back rather than evidence the two were working together and had become inappropriately close.

The Guardian

But he rises too, and I've misjudged the distance between our seats, so we're inappropriately close and I'm eyeballing his nipples.

The Guardian - Film

For many years, environmental and community activists alleged that state officials had an inappropriately close relationship with Duke Energy, the nation's largest electric utility, which is headquartered in Charlotte.

The New Yorker

"The evidence received by this inquiry unequivocally demonstrates, we submit, that there was no relationship between senior officers and journalists that was in fact corrupt, that there was no cosiness or inappropriately close relationships that in fact tainted police decision-making".

The Guardian

When the sexual harassment claim landed with the board, its investigation quickly discovered that the married father of two had developed an inappropriately close relationship with the contractor and – worse – discovered that he had been misrepresenting his dinners with her on his expenses claims.

Independent

Asked whether he and Michel had become inappropriately close, Smith said: "I think the tone of some of the language I may have used in some of the texts in hindsight was a bit too flippant and loose certainly but I don't think the substance of what we've been through was inappropriate".

The Guardian

The Leveson Inquiry has been told the relationship between The Sun's parent company and the force was "at best inappropriately close and at worst corrupt".

BBC

Senior Garcetti aide Rick Jacobs, a board member and treasurer for the nonprofit, said the fund has an "impeccably independent" board overseeing its activities that would guard against inappropriately close association with the mayor's office.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inappropriately close to", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey: is it the physical proximity, the level of intimacy, or the violation of boundaries that is most relevant? Choose your wording accordingly.

Common error

Avoid using "inappropriately close to" when you simply mean "nearby" or "close". The phrase carries a connotation of impropriety or discomfort, not just physical proximity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inappropriately close to" functions as a descriptive modifier, specifying the nature of the proximity. As Ludwig AI shows, it indicates that something or someone is unacceptably near or intimate in a context deemed unsuitable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inappropriately close to" is a descriptor used to express concern or disapproval when boundaries of personal space or propriety are violated. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears most frequently in news and media contexts. Related phrases include "unduly intimate with" and "unacceptably near". When writing, be mindful of the specific nuance you wish to convey, ensuring that the phrase's connotation of impropriety aligns with your intended meaning. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it's essential to assess audience and medium when selecting vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unduly intimate with

Focuses on the level of intimacy being excessive or unwarranted.

unacceptably near

Emphasizes the physical or metaphorical proximity being unacceptable.

improperly intimate

Highlights the impropriety of the intimacy.

undesirably proximate

Stresses the undesirability of the closeness in terms of distance.

unsuitably familiar with

Focuses on the familiarity being unsuitable for the context.

overly friendly with

Highlights the excessive friendliness that might be inappropriate.

uncomfortably close

Emphasizes the discomfort caused by the proximity.

too familiar with

Indicates a breach of acceptable boundaries in familiarity.

in breach of boundaries

Indicates behavior is exceeding boundaries.

trespassing personal space

Describes behavior that is intrusive and violating personal boundaries.

FAQs

How can I use "inappropriately close to" in a sentence?

Use "inappropriately close to" to describe situations where proximity suggests an uncomfortable or improper intimacy. For example, "The politician was seen standing inappropriately close to the lobbyist during the event."

What's the difference between "too close to" and "inappropriately close to"?

"Too close to" can refer to physical distance or abstract concepts nearing a certain point. "Inappropriately close to" specifically implies a violation of social or ethical boundaries due to proximity.

What can I say instead of "inappropriately close to"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "unduly intimate with", "unacceptably near", or "improperly intimate".

Is "inappropriately close to" a formal or informal expression?

"Inappropriately close to" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it's essential to assess audience and medium when selecting vocabulary.