it was really close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was really close" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something almost happened or almost didn't happen. Here is an example: "It was really close, but we managed to catch the last train home before it left the station."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It was really close.

The New Yorker

Then it was really close.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was really close, and that could have changed everything.

The New York Times - Sports

It was really close in the second set.

The New York Times - Sports

Maybe we just needed to believe that it was really close, to keep us going.

The Guardian - Music

I had a great start to the match and from then on it was really close.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

General Dolorfino called it a "slugfest" and said that "it was really close-quarter fighting, so we couldn't use our artillery," The Associated Press reported.

The New York Times

Mike Veeck said that it was really closer to 60,000 and that he had hired security for 35,000.

The New York Times - Sports

"It is really close.

The New York Times

— It's really close.

The New Yorker

"It's really close," she added.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was really close" to convey the sense of a near miss or a very tight margin in situations ranging from sports to negotiations. It's suitable for most general contexts.

Common error

While suitable for general conversation and news reporting, consider using more precise language in formal or academic writing to specify the nature of the closeness. For example, instead of "it was really close", use "the results were statistically insignificant" or "the difference was marginal."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was really close" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying an implied noun (e.g., game, election, situation) to describe the degree to which the outcome was uncertain or nearly resulted in a different conclusion. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was really close" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a situation where the outcome was uncertain until the end. Ludwig AI confirms this, showcasing various real-world examples primarily from News & Media and Sports. While widely used, consider context: more formal settings may benefit from more precise language. Alternatives include "it was a near thing" or "the margin was slim".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was a near thing

This alternative emphasizes the narrowness of the escape or victory.

it was a close call

Highlights the potential danger or negative outcome that was narrowly avoided.

it was touch and go

Suggests a period of uncertainty where the outcome was in doubt.

it was nip and tuck

Implies a situation where the lead changed hands frequently, and the final result was very tight.

it was a photo finish

Used when the result was so close that a photograph was needed to determine the winner.

it was a hair's breadth

Emphasizes the extremely small margin of difference.

it almost happened

Focuses on the near occurrence of an event.

victory was narrow

Highlights how victory was achieved with a small margin.

it was a tight game

Describes an evenly matched contest.

the margin was slim

Focuses on the smallness of the winning difference.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was really close" to describe situations where the outcome was uncertain until the very end. For example, "The election was really close, and the final results weren't known for days."

What are some alternatives to saying "it was really close"?

You can use alternatives like "it was a near thing", "it was a close call", or "it was touch and go" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "it was really close" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider using more precise language in formal writing, such as "the difference was marginal" or "the results were statistically insignificant", for greater clarity.

What does "it was really close" mean?

It means that something almost happened or almost didn't happen; the margin was very small. It suggests a situation where the outcome could easily have been different.