it's close

USAGE SUMMARY

"it's close" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is almost, but not quite, finished, complete, or successful. For example, you could say "We're almost done with the project - it's close."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Wait until it's close to Valentine's Day.

WikiHow

"It's close; we're very closely matched".

BBC

Its not art but it's close enough.

Forbes

It's close.

The New York Times

No wonder it's close.

The Economist

"I think it's close.

Independent

It's early, it's close.

The New York Times

It's close to wrongness.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's close to collapse.

The Guardian - Business

But it's close.

The New York Times

"It's close to song.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it's close" to indicate that something is nearing completion, a particular state, or a specific event. Ensure the context provides clarity on what 'it' refers to. For example, "The deal isn't finalized, but it's close".

Common error

Avoid using "it's close" without a clear reference point. Vague usage can lead to confusion. For example, instead of saying "It's close", specify what 'it' is: "The deadline is close".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's close" primarily functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state or condition of something. Ludwig examples show it indicating nearness in various contexts, like proximity to a place, event, or completion. Ludwig AI confirms this as a correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

2%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it's close" is a versatile and commonly used phrase for indicating that something is near in proximity, time, or completion. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Predominantly found in News & Media, with its neutral tone, the phrase serves to inform or reassure, as evidenced by numerous Ludwig examples. While perfectly acceptable, varying the language using alternatives like "it's near" or "it's imminent" can provide additional nuance to your writing. When you use the phrase, ensure the context makes the point of reference of 'it' clear for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's near

This alternative simply replaces 'close' with 'near', emphasizing physical or metaphorical proximity.

it's nearly there

This alternative emphasizes the progress made and the short distance remaining to the goal.

it's just around the corner

This alternative conveys a sense of immediacy and anticipation, suggesting something will happen very soon.

it's imminent

This alternative suggests that something is about to happen very soon, implying a sense of anticipation or urgency not present in the original phrase.

it's on the verge

This phrase suggests that something is about to happen or occur, implying a critical point or threshold.

it's on the horizon

This alternative is more figurative, suggesting that something is approaching but still distant, adding a sense of perspective.

it's drawing near

This alternative gives a more formal and literary feel to the idea of something approaching.

it's within reach

This implies that something is achievable with effort, adding a sense of potential accomplishment.

it's touch and go

This idiom indicates an uncertain situation where the outcome is still in doubt.

it's nip and tuck

Similar to 'touch and go', this idiom describes a situation where two or more parties are very close in a competition or race.

FAQs

What does "it's close" mean?

The phrase "it's close" generally means something is near, either in terms of physical proximity, time, or completion. It suggests that a goal is almost achieved or an event is about to happen.

How can I use "it's close" in a sentence?

You can use "it's close" to describe various situations. For instance, "The project is not finished yet, but "it's close" to being done" or "The store "it's near" my house".

What can I say instead of "it's close"?

You can use alternatives like "it's near", "it's imminent", or "it's nearly there" depending on the context.

Is "it's close" formal or informal?

"It's close" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for very formal writing, more precise language might be preferred.