it will be very close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it will be very close" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing predictions or estimates that suggest a result will be near a certain value or outcome. Example: "Based on the current trends, it will be very close to reaching our sales target by the end of the quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

"But it will be very close".

The New Yorker

"We're going to win," Collier said, "but it will be very close, the one-seventies".

The New Yorker

Murray has enough experience to handle the nerves but it will be very close.

The Guardian - Sport

"But it will be very close". Peres's victory, he suggested, will depend upon the smaller political parties.

The New Yorker

"It will be very close, within five votes either way," said Assemblyman Robert G. Smith, Democrat of Piscataway.

The New York Times

A spokesman for McGowan's campaign told Guardian Australia: "It will be very close, but it's an uphill battle for Sophie now.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

But it'll be very close".

The Guardian

If it stays on course, it'll be very close to passing over us in Naples".

The New Yorker

No. It'll be very close but I'd like to think the teams below us won't find a way to close the gap.

The Guardian - Sport

If I miss out, it'll be very close".

BBC

At the Los Angeles show, G.M. is showing a version of the Volt that it says will be very close to production form.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it will be very close" when forecasting or predicting a near outcome, especially in competitive scenarios or situations where the margin of difference is expected to be small. It's particularly effective when discussing elections, sports, or estimations.

Common error

Avoid using "it will be very close" in situations where the context lacks a clear measure of closeness or comparison. Ensure there's a specific benchmark or opposing entity for the 'closeness' to be meaningful. For example, instead of saying "the project deadline will be very close", specify "the project deadline will be very close to the end of the quarter".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it will be very close" functions as a prediction or assessment, typically used to describe a situation where the outcome is uncertain and the difference between potential results is expected to be minimal. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

13%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it will be very close" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the anticipation of a near outcome, particularly in competitive or uncertain situations. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage and broad applicability. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, suggesting its utility in discussing elections, sports, or other closely contested events. While versatile, be mindful to use it in contexts where the measure of closeness is well-defined. Consider alternatives like "it will be a close call" or "the margin will be narrow" for nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it will be a close call

Focuses on the uncertainty and potential for different outcomes, highlighting the narrow margin.

it will be neck and neck

Emphasizes the evenness of the competition or comparison, suggesting neither side has a clear advantage.

it will be nip and tuck

Similar to neck and neck, this highlights the back-and-forth nature of a closely contested situation.

the margin will be narrow

Directly states that the difference between the outcomes will be small.

the outcome is uncertain

Shifts the focus to the unpredictability of the final result, emphasizing the lack of a clear frontrunner.

it will be touch and go

Highlights the precariousness of the situation, suggesting the outcome could easily swing either way.

the result is too close to call

Indicates that current information does not allow for a confident prediction of the winner.

the competition will be tight

Highlights intensity and lack of space for errors

it will be a tight race

Emphasizes the competitive nature of the situation, suggesting a challenging and closely fought contest.

the difference will be minimal

Highlights that the results or differences are very few/small between each other

FAQs

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

You can use "it will be very close" when you anticipate a result or outcome to be near a certain value or another outcome. For instance, "Based on current polls, the election "it will be very close"".

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

Alternatives include phrases like "it will be a close call", "the margin will be narrow", or "the outcome is uncertain", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it will be very close" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "it will be very close" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as it's a straightforward and widely understood expression. However, for highly formal or scientific writing, consider using more precise and technical language if possible.

What does "it will be very close" imply about the situation?

It implies that the difference between potential outcomes or measured values is expected to be small, creating uncertainty and heightened competition or scrutiny. It suggests that even minor factors could significantly impact the final result.