less close to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'less close to' is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used to denote a comparison between two things that are not close in proximity, physical closeness, or any other kind of proximity. For example, "We are now less close to the finish line, but there is still a chance we can reach it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

The three social parasite species are monophyletic and most closely related to P. nimphus and P. dominulus, and less close to P. gallicus and P. biglumis [ 12, 82].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

You become less close to people who don't go out".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Both are less close to the earth but very beautiful.

The New York Times

I am less close to them, because they are always coming and going.

The New Yorker

She is perceived as being less close to her father than his other adult children.

The Guardian

In return, border-dwellers on both sides often feel less close to their countrymen than to the people across the line.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

After a couple of days in Surry County, I found myself no less closer to unraveling the riddle that is the sonker.

The New York Times

Therefore their binding mode interaction is more or less closer to each other.

Chemistry Central Journal

However one source told TechCrunch Privalia had in fact raised far less, closer to $150M, suggesting the exit is indeed putting smiles on investors' faces.

TechCrunch

Symbionts can reside either extracellularly in more or less close association to their hosts or exist as endosymbionts intracellularly within host cells.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

But a small subset gained far less, coming close to maintaining the body size with which they started the study.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less close to", ensure the comparison is clear and that the context provides a reference point for what is considered 'close'. For example, 'He is less close to his family than he is to his friends'.

Common error

Avoid using "less close to" when a stronger term like "distant" or "unrelated" is more appropriate. "Less close to" implies a relative difference, not a complete absence of connection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less close to" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating a lesser degree of proximity, relationship, or connection relative to something else. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

44%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less close to" is a versatile and grammatically correct comparative adjective phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across diverse contexts. As demonstrated by examples from Ludwig, it effectively expresses a reduced degree of proximity, connection, or relationship. While predominantly found in news/media and scientific sources, its neutral register makes it suitable for various formal and informal communications. Remember to ensure the comparison is clear and that "less close to" is appropriate, rather than a stronger term like "distant".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more distant from

Indicates a greater degree of separation or remoteness.

further removed from

Suggests a more significant separation or detachment.

not as intimately connected to

Highlights a weaker bond or relationship.

less intimately involved with

Focuses on reduced participation or engagement.

more alienated from

Implies a sense of estrangement or disconnection.

not quite as near to

Emphasizes a reduced physical or metaphorical proximity.

somewhat detached from

Indicates a degree of emotional or mental separation.

at a greater remove from

Suggests a more considerable distance or gap.

not as affiliated with

Highlights a weaker connection or association.

comparatively estranged from

Implies a stronger emotional or relational distance.

FAQs

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

You can use "less close to" to compare the degree of relationship or proximity between two entities. For instance, "She is "less close to" her manager than she is to her colleagues".

What's the difference between "less close to" and "far from"?

"Less close to" implies a smaller degree of closeness compared to something else, whereas "far from" suggests a significant distance or difference. "He is "less close to" finishing the project than he thinks" indicates he still has some work, but "He is "far from" finishing the project" implies a much larger gap.

What are some alternatives to saying "less close to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "more distant from", "further removed from", or "not as intimately connected to". Choose the phrase that best reflects the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less closer to"?

No, "less closer to" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is ""less close to"". The comparative form "closer" already implies a comparison, so adding "less" is redundant.