it comes close to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it comes close to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is nearly equivalent to or resembles something else, often in terms of quality or degree. Example: "The new product comes close to the performance of its more expensive competitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Film

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The new movie "Rise of the Guardians," for example, works so hard at celebrating wide eyes and naïve joy that it comes close to spoiling its own intermittent wonderfulness.

The New York Times

It comes close to L.A. too, threading its way through the peaks of the Angeles National Forest.

Los Angeles Times

It comes close to being one elsewhere.

The New York Times

It comes close to saying, "What you lookin' at?".

Independent

In looks, story and gameplay, it comes close to perfect.

The Guardian - Tech

Titled "Adorno's Grey" and made this year, it comes close to presenting radical politics as farce.

The New York Times - Arts

"It comes close to being obscene," says Almodóvar, a little sheepishly.

The Guardian - Film

It comes close to measuring what we might otherwise call wisdom.

The New Yorker

It comes close to being the most sensational film ever made in Hollywood.

The New Yorker

Again, it comes close to cliche, but Wright and Dickie carry it off.

The Guardian - Film

"Production in total does not peak before 2035, though it comes close to doing so," the agency said.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it comes close to" to express an approximation or near equivalence, especially when you want to acknowledge a slight difference or imperfection. For example, "The copy doesn't perfectly replicate the original, but "it comes close to".

Common error

Avoid using "it comes close to" when the subject is actually far from the target. This phrase implies a significant degree of proximity, so ensure it accurately reflects the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it comes close to" functions as a qualifying expression. It is used to indicate that something almost reaches a certain level or state, but not quite. Ludwig examples showcase its versatility in describing approximations in various contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

16%

Film

6%

Less common in

Books

6%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it comes close to" is a versatile phrase used to express approximation or near equivalence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. Its frequent appearance in reputable news sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance. While similar phrases like "it nearly equals" or "it almost matches" can be used, it's important to use "it comes close to" when a high degree of similarity, rather than exactness, is intended. Be cautious not to overstate the closeness when there is still a significant difference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it nearly equals

Emphasizes the quantitative aspect of approaching a certain value or level.

it almost matches

Highlights the similarity between two things, suggesting a high degree of likeness.

it closely resembles

Focuses on the visual or qualitative similarity between two things.

it borders on

Indicates that something is very close to being something else, often something negative or extreme.

it verges on

Similar to "it borders on", suggesting that something is on the brink of becoming something else.

it approximates

Formally suggests a near but not exact equivalence.

it is in the vicinity of

Indicates a range or area that is near a specific point or value.

it nears

Simple and direct way of saying something is getting close to something else.

it approaches

Similar to "it nears" but can also imply a gradual coming closer.

it is not far from

Understates the closeness, implying that the difference is small.

FAQs

What does "it comes close to" mean?

The phrase "it comes close to" means something almost reaches a certain level, quality, or condition. It indicates a high degree of similarity or approximation without being exact.

How can I use "it comes close to" in a sentence?

You can use "it comes close to" to describe how similar something is to a standard or goal. For example, "The candidate's proposal "it comes close to" addressing all the key issues."

What can I say instead of "it comes close to"?

You can use alternatives like "it nearly equals", "it almost matches", or "it closely resembles" depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "it comes close to" and "it is equivalent to"?

"It comes close to" implies an approximation or near similarity, while "it is equivalent to" suggests an exact match or equality. The former acknowledges a slight difference, while the latter asserts complete equivalence.