it was close

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was close" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts, but often it refers to a situation or event that was narrowly avoided. For example: - We thought we were going to miss our flight, but it turns out it was close. We made it on board just in time. - The team was down by one point in the final seconds, but they scored a last-minute goal and it was close, but they ended up winning the game. - I almost forgot my presentation at home, but I remembered at the last minute. Phew, that was close! - The final vote was split, but in the end it was close - the new policy passed with just one vote.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But it was close.

The New York Times - Sports

Then it was close.

The New York Times - Sports

"IT WAS close".

The New York Times - Science

But it was close enough.

The New York Times - Science

"Fred said it was close.

The New York Times - Sports

It was close to midnight.

The New York Times

I knew it was close.

The New York Times - Magazine

Marisa Lagos: It was close.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It was closed.

The New York Times

It was closer to twenty-five million.

The New Yorker

Two years later, it was closed down.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was close" to convey that an event almost resulted in a different outcome, emphasizing the narrow margin by which it occurred. Consider adding context to specify what 'it' refers to and what the potential alternative outcome was.

Common error

Avoid using "it was close" without clear context. Ensure the reader understands what "it" refers to; otherwise, the sentence becomes ambiguous and lacks impact. Specify the subject to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was close" functions as an evaluative statement, typically used to express that an event or outcome was narrowly achieved or avoided. Ludwig provides examples where it describes near wins, escapes, or misses, suggesting a situation with a high degree of uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was close" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that something almost happened or that an outcome was narrowly achieved or avoided. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, clarity is crucial; ensure the referent of "it" is clear. Consider alternatives like "it was a near thing" or "it was a close call" to add nuance. Remember to provide adequate context to prevent ambiguity when employing the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was a close call

Focuses on the narrowness of the escape or victory.

it was a near thing

Emphasizes the element of chance and potential danger avoided.

it was on a knife edge

Illustrates the delicate balance and potential for a different outcome.

it was touch and go

Highlights the uncertainty and precariousness of the situation.

it came down to the wire

Emphasizes the last-minute nature of the resolution.

it was within a hair's breadth

Highlights how extremely close an event was to occurring.

it was neck and neck

Suggests a tight competition or race where the outcome was uncertain until the end.

it was a squeaker

Implies a very narrow victory or escape, often in a sporting context.

it almost happened

Focuses on the potential outcome that was narrowly avoided.

it was nearly a reality

Focuses on the potential outcome that was narrowly avoided.

FAQs

How can I use "it was close" in a sentence?

Use "it was close" to describe situations where something nearly happened, but didn't. For instance, "The election results were very tight; "it was close", but she ultimately won".

What are some alternatives to "it was close"?

Alternatives include "it was a near thing", "it was a close call", or "it was touch and go", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "it was close"?

While grammatically correct, using "it was close" can be vague if the context is unclear. Always ensure that the referent of "it" is easily understood to avoid ambiguity.

What's the difference between "it was close" and "it was nearly"?

"It was close" implies a narrow margin in any situation, while "it was nearly" suggests something almost occurred or became a reality. Use "it was nearly" when discussing approximations or potential outcomes.