it pretty close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it pretty close" is not correct in standard written English.
It seems to be a truncated version of a more complete phrase, likely intended to convey that something is nearly accurate or near a certain point. Example: "The estimate is it pretty close to the actual cost."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

"It takes just 2-3 minutos to inflate the rat to its 15' height, so it might be possible to get it pretty close to the sociopath-in-chief's super-vulgar-tacky rat's nest!" they wrote.

HuffPost

We're playing it pretty close to the vest".

The New York Times

"We are hitting it pretty close to being right," he said.

The New York Times

That is cutting it pretty close, Ms. Schneider concedes, as she lays a delicate hand on her desk to demonstrate.

The New York Times

The security firm ADT ran it pretty close, after it emerged it was charging customers exorbitant fees to change the batteries on its alarms.

The Guardian - Money

If Gillespie loses but keeps it pretty close, one imagines that Republicans will figure out a way to reach that same conclusion.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

But, if you think about it, it's pretty close".

The New York Times - Sports

I mean '12, to the extent that you view it, it was pretty close.

HuffPost

It's not as blunt as Adam Orth's "deal with it," but it's pretty close.

Forbes

As it is, it comes pretty close.

Independent

"Last time in England it was pretty close, it should have been 2-2.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, replace "it pretty close" with more grammatically sound alternatives like "it is quite close" or "it is nearly accurate" to ensure your message is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid placing the adverb "pretty" directly between the pronoun "it" and the adjective "close". This structure is not standard English and can lead to confusion. Always include a verb, such as "is", for grammatical correctness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it pretty close" functions as an attempt to describe proximity or similarity. However, it lacks a necessary verb, rendering it grammatically incomplete. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is not correct in standard written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it pretty close" is grammatically incorrect in standard English due to the absence of a necessary verb. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's more of a truncated phrase aiming to suggest nearness or approximation. To ensure clarity and grammatical accuracy, it's best to use alternatives like "it is quite close" or "it is nearly accurate", especially in formal or professional contexts. While the phrase might occasionally surface in informal settings, it lacks the precision and correctness needed for effective communication in most scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is fairly close

Replaces "pretty" with "fairly", offering a slightly more formal tone.

it is very near

Uses "very near" instead of "pretty close", highlighting proximity.

it is quite near

Replaces "pretty close" with "quite near", emphasizing spatial or metaphorical nearness.

it is close enough

Implies that the level of closeness is sufficient for a particular purpose.

it is almost accurate

Substitutes the phrase with a focus on accuracy, indicating something is nearly correct.

it's nearly there

Indicates something is almost finished or achieved.

it is approximately correct

Highlights that something is close to being correct, but not perfectly so.

it is substantially similar

Focuses on the degree of similarity, suggesting a close resemblance.

it is within range

Indicates that something falls within acceptable limits or parameters.

it is in the vicinity

Emphasizes that something is in the general area or range.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it pretty close" to sound more natural?

Consider using alternatives like "it is quite near", "it is almost accurate", or "it is very near" depending on the intended meaning.

Is "it pretty close" grammatically correct?

No, "it pretty close" is not grammatically correct in standard English. A more accurate phrasing would include a verb, such as "it is fairly close".

What does "it pretty close" mean?

The phrase seems to mean "it is very near" or "it is nearly accurate". The absence of a verb is what makes it grammatically incorrect.

Which is correct, "it pretty close" or "it is pretty close"?

"It is pretty close" is the correct phrasing. The inclusion of the verb "is" makes the sentence grammatically sound.