it was extremely close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was extremely close" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where two outcomes were very similar or nearly equal, often in a competitive context. Example: "The final score of the game was 3-2, and it was extremely close throughout the match."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Novak deserved it at the end, but it was extremely close.

The Guardian - Sport

Figures show that it was extremely close, with O'Dwyer and Matisse winning 22.6% of the 4.5 million votes cast and Raven 20.4%.

The Guardian

"If you were on the terraces you could touch the players, it was extremely close to the pitch".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"It's extremely close to the campus, and students can get out of the dorm room, turn off the Xbox and get some exercise".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's extremely close, but they're a tiny bit in front of us at the moment and we've just got to keep working hard until we can get a win against these sides".

BBC

But it is extremely close.

Vice

Now, my version of gluten-free chicken nuggets is likely not exactly like theirs, but it is extremely close.

Huffington Post

Even the π button on a calculator doesn't use the exact value of π, although it is extremely close.

WikiHow

A former camping site turned co-op neighborhood, it is extremely close-knit.

The New York Times

"He and I are extremely close," Ms. Smith said.

The New York Times

I knew it was something that was extremely close and extremely personal to me.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was extremely close" to emphasize how little separated the actual outcome from an alternative, often in situations involving competition, risk, or uncertainty.

Common error

While effective, avoid overuse. Vary your language with synonyms like "it was a near thing" or "it was a close call" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was extremely close" functions as a statement or assertion, typically used to describe a situation where the outcome was nearly equal or where a slight difference could have altered the result. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples in contexts of competition and proximity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was extremely close" is a versatile expression used to describe situations characterized by a narrow margin between outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides examples spanning news, general knowledge and scientific contexts. While not exceedingly common, the phrase effectively conveys tension, risk or tight competition. When writing, consider using alternatives such as ""it was a close call"" or ""it was a near thing"" to diversify your language. Be mindful of overuse to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was very close

A simpler and more direct way of expressing the same idea.

it was a near thing

Emphasizes the precariousness of the situation and how close it came to a different outcome.

it was a close call

Highlights the element of danger or risk involved in the situation.

it was a narrow margin

Focuses on the small difference between the actual outcome and a different one.

it was touch and go

Suggests uncertainty and a fluctuating situation where the outcome was not assured.

it was neck and neck

Implies a race or competition where the participants were almost exactly aligned.

it was a hair's breadth away

Uses vivid imagery to convey how little separated the actual outcome from another.

the result was finely balanced

Indicates that the factors contributing to the outcome were very evenly distributed.

it was almost indistinguishable

Focuses on the similarity between two options or outcomes.

the difference was negligible

Highlights that the variation between outcomes was so small it was practically meaningless.

FAQs

What does "it was extremely close" mean?

The phrase "it was extremely close" means that the difference between two possible outcomes was very small. It implies a situation where a slight change could have resulted in a different result.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it was extremely close"?

It's appropriate to use "it was extremely close" when describing situations like sports games, elections, or any competitive scenario where the final result was nearly equal.

What can I say instead of "it was extremely close"?

You can use alternatives such as "it was very close", "it was a close call", or "it was a near thing".

Is "it was extremely close" formal or informal?

The phrase "it was extremely close" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The appropriateness depends more on the overall tone and style of your writing.