it will be close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it will be close" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that two different things are closely matched or in a tight race. For example: "The race for the senate seat is neck and neck; it will be close!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

First, with respect to the campaign, we already know a few things (the Rumsfeldian "known knowns", as it were):It will be close.

The Economist

But it will be close.

Independent

One thing is certain: It will be close.

The New York Times - Sports

It will be close, and it will be personal.

The Guardian

Differential turnout could be crucial in a tight race, and I suspect it will be close.

Independent

"But it will be close to a boat in very clear water," he added.

Independent

Overnight it will be close to 800 destinations," says Mr Chandrasena.

The Economist

It will be close again and it depends how we develop by next year.

BBC

Then, if the game looks as if it will be close, he clicks into gear.

The New York Times - Sports

In two or three years it will be close to one million".

The New York Times

But it will be close enough to justify the definite article.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it will be close" to create suspense and anticipation, especially when discussing competitions, elections, or negotiations. This phrase effectively conveys the uncertainty and excitement of a situation where the outcome is difficult to predict.

Common error

While "it will be close" is a useful expression, avoid overusing it in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "the margin will be narrow" or "it's too close to call" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it will be close" primarily functions as a declarative statement projecting a future state. Ludwig examples show it describing an anticipated narrow margin in competitions or events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it will be close" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate an anticipated near-tie or a situation where the outcome is uncertain. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for diverse contexts. Common in news and media, it effectively creates suspense when discussing sports, elections, or any event where the final result is difficult to predict. While its usage is generally neutral, varying your phrasing with alternatives like "it's too close to call" or "the margin will be narrow" can enhance your writing. Ludwig's examples showcase the phrase's versatility across various domains, solidifying its place as a valuable tool in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's too close to call

Emphasizes the difficulty in predicting the winner or result.

the race will be tight

Similar to "it will be close" but using 'tight' to convey the narrowness of the margin.

it will be a tight contest

Replaces 'close' with 'tight contest', emphasizing competitiveness.

it will be neck and neck

Uses a common idiom to describe a very close race or competition.

it will be a photo finish

Uses a sports term to describe an extremely close competition.

the margin will be narrow

Focuses on the small difference between the potential outcomes.

the outcome is uncertain

Highlights the unpredictable nature of the final result.

the result is on a knife-edge

Emphasizes the precarious nature of the situation and the balance of power.

the competition is stiff

Highlights intensity of competition

victory is within reach for both

Highlights that both competing sides have a realistic chance of winning.

FAQs

How can I use "it will be close" in a sentence?

You can use "it will be close" to describe situations where the outcome is uncertain and competitive, such as "The election is expected to be tight; "it will be close"" or "The game is tied going into the final minutes; "it will be close"".

What are some alternatives to saying "it will be close"?

Alternatives include "it's too close to call", "it will be a tight contest", or "the margin will be narrow", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it will be close"?

Yes, "it will be close" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "it will be close"?

The phrase "it will be close" is appropriate in any situation where you want to convey that the outcome is uncertain and the competition is tight, such as in sports, politics, or business negotiations.