it is close to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is close to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate proximity or similarity in distance, time, or degree to something else. Example: "The restaurant is located in the city center, and it is close to the main train station."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is close to 300% of its GDP, which is BELOW global average.

Yale University

It is close to approval.

The Economist

"It is close to everybody.

The New Yorker

Now it is close to impossible.

The Economist

It is close to religion for me".

The New York Times

In Greece, it is close to 25%.

The Economist

Statistically, it is close to being fact.

The Times

Now it is close to $1,000".

The New York Times

It is close to an apotheosis.

The New York Times

"Now it is close to fruition".

The New York Times

But it is close to home.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is close to" when you want to express that something is near in terms of physical distance, time, quantity, or degree. For clarity, always specify what the subject is close to.

Common error

Avoid using "it is close to" without a clear antecedent for 'it'. Ensure the reader understands what 'it' refers to in your sentence to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is close to" functions primarily as a descriptor of proximity, indicating that something is near in distance, time, or degree. This is supported by the examples found by Ludwig, which show its use in various contexts to denote nearness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is close to" is a versatile and frequently used expression for indicating proximity in various contexts, ranging from physical distance to estimated values. Ludwig AI data indicates that its usage is grammatically correct and particularly common in News & Media, Science, and Academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the referent of 'it' is clear to avoid ambiguity. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives exist for specific situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is nearing

This alternative focuses on the process of approaching a certain point or state.

it is approaching

Similar to 'it is nearing', this highlights the action of getting closer.

it is in proximity to

This is a more formal way of saying something is physically near.

it is in the vicinity of

This phrase indicates a general area or region that is nearby.

it is roughly

This alternative is used when providing an estimation or approximation.

it is approximately

Similar to 'it is roughly', this suggests an estimated value or quantity.

it is almost

This indicates that something is on the verge of happening or being true.

it is practically

This suggests something is nearly or virtually the same.

it is virtually

Similar to 'it is practically', this emphasizes a near-identical state.

it borders on

This alternative suggests a state that is very close to another, often undesirable, state.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is close to" to describe proximity in various contexts. For example: "The museum "it is close to" the park", or "The project "it is close to" completion".

What are some synonyms for "it is close to"?

Some alternatives to "it is close to" include "it is near", "it is approaching", or "it is almost" depending on the context.

Is "it is close to" formal or informal?

"It is close to" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "it is in proximity to" may be preferred in certain situations.

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

"It is close to" typically implies physical or numerical proximity, while "it is similar to" suggests a resemblance in characteristics or qualities. For example, "The store "it is close to" the bank" indicates location, whereas "This painting "it is similar to" Van Gogh's style" indicates artistic resemblance.