lie close to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lie close to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is physically or metaphorically near or adjacent to something else. Example: "The village lies close to the river, making it a picturesque location for visitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

His sculptures often lie close to or on the floor.

The Economist

It may lie close to the surface, superficialis, or deep, profundus.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They lie close to western markets and far from the strife-prone Gulf.

The Economist

Both countries are stable, business-friendly and cheap, and lie close to large, rich markets.

The Economist

In playing down expectations, Ms. Lagarde's toughest challenges lie close to home.

The New York Times

The New Era's four-floor blocks lie close to the boundary on the Hoxton side.

The Guardian - Opinion

In contrast with the Outer Hebrides, the Inner Hebrides lie close to the west coast of Scotland.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Still little explored for vast stretches, Alaska's mountains contain, or lie close to, largely untapped mineral resources.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These resulting junctions lie close to the surface – presently within a small number of nanometers.

Comprehensive Semiconductor Science and Technology

There is a clear representation that most of the water samples lie close to the LMWL.

Applied Water Science

The right branches of these two nullsurfaces lie close to each other.

The Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts or relationships, consider whether "lie close to" accurately conveys the intended level of proximity. Alternatives like "relate to" or "connect with" might be more appropriate depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "lie close to" in situations where the connection is conceptual or metaphorical rather than physical. For example, instead of saying "His ideas lie close to hers", consider "His ideas are similar to hers" or "His ideas align with hers".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lie close to" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating spatial proximity or close relationship. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and common across various contexts. The examples provided demonstrate its application in describing geographical locations, physical arrangements, and abstract similarities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lie close to" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe physical or metaphorical proximity. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, including science, news media, and encyclopedias. While primarily indicating spatial relationships, it can also convey conceptual closeness. When writing, consider whether the context truly implies proximity or if a more precise term like "be similar to" might be more appropriate. Remember that while versatile, overuse in abstract contexts can dilute the phrase's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be situated near

Indicates the position of something in relation to another, focusing on location.

be located adjacent to

Highlights the adjacency and positioning of something, often emphasizing a close physical connection.

be in proximity to

Emphasizes the nearness of something, often in a more formal context.

be in the vicinity of

Suggests a general area or region where something is located, rather than a precise spot.

border on

Implies a direct boundary or connection, suggesting a shared edge or limit.

abut against

Indicates a direct physical contact and joining of two things.

be in close range to

Stresses the short distance between two things, emphasizing accessibility or immediate impact.

be within reach of

Suggests that something is close enough to be accessed or obtained.

huddle near

Describes a gathering or clustering in close proximity, often for comfort or protection.

cling to

Indicates a strong attachment or physical nearness, often suggesting dependence or support.

FAQs

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

Use "lie close to" to indicate that something is physically or figuratively near something else. For example, "The village "lies close to" the river" or "His views "lie close to" hers".

What are some alternatives to "lie close to"?

Alternatives include "be situated near", "be located adjacent to", or "be in proximity to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "lie close to" in a metaphorical sense?

Yes, "lie close to" can be used metaphorically to indicate a close relationship or similarity between abstract concepts or ideas, but ensure the context supports this usage.

What's the difference between "lie close to" and "be near to"?

While both phrases indicate proximity, "lie close to" often implies a more intimate or integrated connection than simply "be near to". "Lie close to" can also suggest a more inherent or natural relationship.