it was too close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was too close" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something was nearly missed or avoided, often implying a sense of danger or risk. Example: "The race was intense, and when I crossed the finish line, I realized it was too close for comfort."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The ball was probably drifting wide, but halfway through its flight, Mweene decided it was too close for comfort.

Independent

The row emerged over Baker Street Clothing's registration of the word alligator, used on its clothing range, because it was too close to Lacoste's iconic crocodile logo.

Independent

The US developer sued Mojang over its use of the "Scrolls" name in September claiming it was too close to that of its "Elder Scrolls franchise".

BBC

"It was too close to him".

The New York Times

It was too close to a synagogue.

The New York Times

It was too close to call.

Independent

He said: "It was too close.

The Guardian

"It was too close," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

It was too close to what Foursquare was already doing.

The New York Times - Tech

"It was too close to my house," she admitted.

The New York Times

But for me it was too close to 11 September.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was too close" when you want to emphasize how near something was to a boundary, limit, or undesirable outcome. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "it was too close" when you mean something was simply near in proximity without implying a potential negative consequence. For example, instead of saying "The store was too close", specify "The store was near" if you only mean physical distance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was too close" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that something nearly reached a limit or boundary, often implying potential negative consequences. Ludwig AI examples show its use in contexts ranging from sports to politics, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was too close" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a situation that narrowly avoided a negative outcome. Ludwig AI data indicates that this phrase appears most commonly in news and media, as well as encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you are conveying the sense of near miss or potential risk, rather than just proximity. Consider alternatives like ""it was a near thing"" or ""it was a close call"" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was a near thing

Emphasizes the narrowness of avoiding a negative outcome.

it was a close call

Highlights the element of danger or risk involved.

it was touch and go

Indicates a situation of uncertainty and precariousness.

it was a narrow escape

Stresses the act of barely avoiding harm or danger.

it was cutting it fine

Focuses on the minimal amount of time or resources available.

it was a hair's breadth away

Emphasizes the small distance separating success from failure.

it was within an inch of

Highlights proximity to a specific outcome or location.

it nearly happened

Simple statement emphasizing the potential for an event to occur.

it almost occurred

Formal alternative for indicating an event came close to happening.

it was a close shave

Informal expression for narrowly avoiding an undesirable situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was too close" to describe a situation that nearly resulted in a negative outcome. For example, "The election results were so tight, "it was too close" to call a winner initially".

What are some alternatives to "it was too close"?

Alternatives include "it was a close call", "it was a near thing", or "it was touch and go" depending on the specific context.

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

While grammatically correct, "it was too close" can be inappropriate if you intend to convey simple proximity without an implied risk or negative consequence. Choose a more neutral term like "near" or "nearby" in such cases.

How does the meaning of "it was too close" differ from "it was near"?

"It was near" simply indicates proximity, while "it was too close" suggests that the proximity almost led to an undesirable result. The latter carries a stronger implication of risk or potential harm.