keeping close to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keeping close to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe maintaining proximity or a close relationship with someone or something. Example: "She has been keeping close to her family during the holidays to strengthen their bond."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

While some Democrats suggest that Mr. Bloomberg's prospects are not much better, keeping close to Mr. Bloomberg keeps Mr. Molinari close to the action.

The New York Times

It keeps picking up in strength and I'm keeping close to it.

Independent

I voted for Trump to keep the minimum wage hike down, retain our constitutional gun rights, and keeping close to the constitution and immigration.

The Guardian

If it does, it seems the imperative of keeping close to the Americans is overriding.

The Guardian - Opinion

So he decided he could move faster if he walked in the street, keeping close to the parked cars.

The New York Times - Tech

Eventually, we moved back out onto the sidewalk and, keeping close to the buildings, managed to work our way uptown.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Now the packet hops from one cluster to another cluster by keeping closer to the axis of imaginary line between node D and source CH.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

At one point, you have to follow the Mock Turtle under water, keeping close enough to breathe in the air bubbles it expels.

The New York Times - Tech

The city parks department's education crew, known as the Urban Park Rangers, is keeping close watch to make sure he doesn't starve.

Los Angeles Times

Management for the most part is supportive, with the surgical team keeping close watch to intervene as the need arises.

Critical Care

For now, Ms. Bailey is keeping close counsel as to how she will handle these challenges.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keeping close to" when you want to express maintaining a close physical proximity, a close relationship, or adherence to something (like a principle or guideline).

Common error

While "keeping close to" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "maintaining proximity", "adhering strictly", or "monitoring closely" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeping close to" functions primarily as a phrasal verb or prepositional phrase. It combines a verb ("keeping") with a preposition ("to") to modify another verb, noun, or pronoun. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent use in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keeping close to" is a versatile and frequently used expression in the English language, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to indicate proximity in various forms: physical, emotional, or adherence to a concept. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, its usage should be tailored to the context; more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic or highly professional settings. Analysis of Ludwig examples shows that it is commonly found in contexts of News & Media. Be mindful of overuse, especially in formal writing, and consider more specific synonyms for enhanced clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

staying near to

Emphasizes physical proximity more directly.

remaining close to

Highlights the continuation of a close relationship or proximity.

maintaining proximity to

More formal; stresses the act of preserving closeness.

staying in contact with

Focuses on communication and connection.

monitoring closely

Implies careful observation and attention.

adhering strictly to

Used when following rules or guidelines precisely.

closely guarding

Highlights protection and careful management.

following closely

Focuses on tracking or observing something's progress.

protecting closely

Implies safeguarding and defense.

hugging tight

Suggests a warm, physical embrace or a close emotional bond.

FAQs

How can I use "keeping close to" in a sentence?

You can use "keeping close to" to describe maintaining physical proximity, such as "The hikers were "staying near to" the trail to avoid getting lost", or to describe maintaining a close relationship, such as "She's "remaining close to" her family during this difficult time".

What are some alternatives to "keeping close to"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "staying near to", "remaining close to", "maintaining proximity to", or "following closely".

Is "keeping close to" formal or informal?

"Keeping close to" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both informal and semi-formal contexts. However, for highly formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "adhering strictly to" or "monitoring closely".

When is it appropriate to use "keeping close to"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey the idea of maintaining a short distance, sustaining a close connection, or adhering to something. For example, "The company is "monitoring closely" market trends" or "They are "remaining close to" their roots despite their international expansion".