least close to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "least close to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing distances, relationships, or similarities, indicating that something is the furthest away in terms of closeness or affinity. Example: "Among all the candidates, Sarah is the least close to meeting the job requirements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

At least close to shore.

The New York Times - Sports

Now, it may be at least close to the truth.

The New Yorker

I'd say I definitely work at least close to 80 hours a week.

The Guardian - Money

I just have to wait until it's at least close to being 100 percent before I go out there".

The New York Times - Sports

When asked his age, he replied 72, a figure at least close to the 73 years prosecutors credit him with.

The New York Times

"It is probable there are civilians living there or at least close to the zones that were bombed".

The New York Times

Alternative lines will get you at least close to where you want to go, but things might be a little balky.

The New York Times

But Labour really should have come first (several polling firms had predicted that it would), or at least close to UKIP's score.

The Economist

But it also meant that it was not clear which managers had led their banks over — or at least close to — a cliff.

The New York Times

These overlapping shifts could be a way to ensure that someone in the family is always awake and keeping watch, or at least close to it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"The conference is probably playing at the highest level it's ever played at, or at least close to it," Syracuse Coach Jim Boeheim said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "least close to", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being compared and the criteria for closeness. For example, "Among all the proposed solutions, this one is least close to addressing the core issue".

Common error

Avoid using "least close to" when a simple negation of closeness is intended. For example, instead of saying "This location is least close to the city center", it's often clearer to state "This location is not close to the city center".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least close to" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, used to indicate the minimum degree of proximity or similarity between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is both correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "least close to" serves as a comparative adjective phrase, effectively indicating the minimum level of proximity or similarity. As Ludwig AI indicates, its grammatical correctness and broad usage across various contexts, including news, science, and general discourse, make it a versatile tool for expressing comparison and differentiation. While more precise or simpler alternatives may sometimes be preferred for enhanced clarity, "least close to" remains a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit for nuanced expression. Remember to use it to compare a distance or similarity, ensure the clarity in the context and avoid use it when a simple negation of closeness is sufficient.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most distant from

Emphasizes the greatest separation or remoteness.

furthest away from

Indicates the greatest physical or metaphorical distance.

farthest removed from

Highlights a state of being extremely distanced from something.

at the greatest remove from

Similar to 'farthest removed from' but uses a more formal tone.

remotest from

Highlights the extreme distance and isolation.

most unlike

Focuses on the greatest dissimilarity in characteristics or nature.

least similar to

Stresses the minimal resemblance or commonality.

not nearly as close as

Emphasizes the significant difference in proximity or similarity.

marginally near

Suggests proximity is limited, almost not close at all.

barely approaching

Indicates a slight movement towards closeness, but still far off.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "least close to" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "most distant from", "furthest away from", or "remotest from" depending on the context.

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

It is appropriate when you want to specify that something has the minimum level of closeness or similarity when compared to other options. It is often used to emphasize that something is the furthest away or the most dissimilar.

Is "least close to" formal or informal language?

The phrase "least close to" is considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more precise or simpler alternatives may sometimes be preferred for clarity.

What's the difference between "least close to" and "not close to"?

"Least close to" implies a comparison among multiple items, highlighting which one is the most distant. "Not close to" simply indicates that something is not near, without making a specific comparison. For example, "Among all candidates, John is "least close to" meeting the job requirements" versus "This restaurant is "not close to" my house".