it was very close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was very close" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where two things were almost equally matched or almost equidistant. For example, you could say, "The game was very close, with the final score being just one point difference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was very close.

The New York Times

I agree it was very close.

The New York Times

"It was very close in the end.

Independent

Oh, it was very close to heaven.

The Times

It was very close to the ceiling.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It was very close to his heart".

The New York Times

"It was very close," he said.

The New York Times

"It was very close," Lee said.

The New York Times - Sports

I don't think it was very close," Walsh said.

The Guardian

"It was exciting, it was very close," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

The battle itself was by no means a walkover; it was very close.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was very close" to convey the sense of something being narrowly achieved or avoided. It works effectively in both formal and informal contexts to add impact.

Common error

While versatile, "it was very close" can sometimes sound too informal for highly academic or professional writing. Consider using more precise and sophisticated synonyms like "the margin was negligible" or "the results were nearly identical" to enhance the tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was very close" functions as a descriptive statement indicating a situation of near equivalence, proximity, or a narrow margin. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples from Ludwig showcase its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Sports

19%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was very close" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase employed to describe situations characterized by narrow margins, near misses, or close proximity. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread applicability, particularly within news and sports contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the formality of the setting and opt for more precise synonyms when appropriate. The phrase finds its home primarily in News & Media and Sports, demonstrating its utility in reporting events where outcomes hang in the balance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was a close call

Indicates a situation where danger or failure was narrowly avoided.

it was a near thing

Emphasizes the narrowness of avoiding a negative outcome.

it was within a hair's breadth

Stresses how extremely close something was to happening or not happening.

it was a narrow escape

Focuses on the act of narrowly avoiding something unpleasant.

it was touch and go

Highlights the uncertainty and risk involved.

it was on the verge

Emphasizes being at the edge of a significant event or outcome.

it was on the brink

Similar to "on the verge", but may suggest a more precarious situation.

it was neck and neck

Describes a situation where competitors are almost exactly level.

it was nip and tuck

Indicates a very close and competitive situation.

it was almost there

Highlights the nearly achieved goal or state.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was very close" to describe a situation where the outcome was uncertain until the very end. For example, "The election "it was very close", with the candidates separated by only a few hundred votes".

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

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

Which is correct, "it was very close" or "it was closely"?

"It was very close" is the correct and more common phrasing. "Closely" is an adverb and doesn't fit the intended meaning of describing proximity or nearness. The phrase ""it was very close"" is an adjective phrase.

What's the difference between "it was very close" and "it was almost there"?

"It was very close" generally refers to a narrow margin in a competition or situation, while "it was almost there" suggests that a goal was nearly achieved but not quite.