is close to

USAGE SUMMARY

"is close to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a physical or metaphorical proximity or similarity between two things, such as "Her performance in the race was close to perfect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is close to approval.

The Economist

Turkey is close to Hamas.

The New York Times

Inflation is close to 5%.

The Economist

Paris is close to home.

Independent

"It is close to everybody.

The New Yorker

Unemployment is close to 20%.

The Economist

It is close to religion for me".

The New York Times

Their season is close to slipping away.

The New York Times - Sports

It is close to the sun itself.

The New York Times - Food

The answer is close to imponderable.

Independent

This book is close to her heart.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is close to" to indicate nearness in physical distance, time, or approximation of a value. For example, "The museum is close to the park" or "The project is close to completion."

Common error

In formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "is approximately", "is nearing", or "is adjacent to" to avoid sounding vague or informal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is close to" primarily functions as a linking verb followed by a prepositional phrase. It connects a subject to a description of its state or location, indicating nearness, approximation, or similarity. As Ludwig AI suggests, it conveys a sense of physical or metaphorical proximity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

18%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is close to" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate nearness, approximation, or similarity. According to Ludwig AI, it’s grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, although more precise language might be preferred in highly formal settings. The phrase is frequently found in News & Media, Academia and Encyclopedia sources. While “is close to” is considered accurate and usable in the majority of cases, remember to consider the context, your audience, and the goal of your writing when choosing between it and similar phrases such as "is nearing" or "is approximately".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is nearing

Suggests an ongoing process of approaching a point in time or space; implies a gradual movement towards something.

is approaching

Indicates a movement or progression closer to a physical or metaphorical destination.

is almost at

Emphasizes the near completion or arrival at a specific point or state.

is in proximity to

Formally indicates that something is located near something else; highlights spatial closeness.

is in the vicinity of

Indicates that something is located in the general area of something else; less precise than "is close to".

is approximately

Highlights the idea of being near to an exact value; used to denote an estimated quantity.

is roughly

Suggests an estimated or imprecise quantity or measurement.

borders on

Suggests similarity, but typically in a negative context (e.g., "borders on being offensive").

verges on

Implies being at the edge of something; carries a sense of crossing a boundary.

parallels

Indicates similarity or correspondence between two things; implies shared characteristics.

FAQs

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

You can use "is close to" to indicate physical proximity (e.g., "The station is close to the hotel"), nearing a state or condition (e.g., "The deal is close to being finalized"), or approximating a value (e.g., "The estimate is close to accurate").

What are some alternatives to "is close to"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "is nearing", "is approaching", "is approximately", or "is in proximity to".

Is "close to" formal or informal?

"Close to" is generally considered neutral in register and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, more precise alternatives might be preferred.

What's the difference between "is close to" and "is near to"?

While both phrases indicate proximity, "is close to" is more commonly used and slightly more versatile. "Is near to" is grammatically correct but less frequent in contemporary English.