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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
longer closer
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "longer closer" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to describe something that is both longer in duration and closer in proximity, but as it stands, it lacks clarity and context. Example: "The new route is not only longer closer to the city but also more scenic."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Alternative expressions(7)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
6 human-written examples
It's usually worth taking a longer, closer look.
News & Media
The swing direction of the long pendulum remains constant as Earth rotates underneath it, which means its path appears to move, traveling a full circle every 24 hours at the poles and taking longer closer to the equator (32 hours in Paris, for example).
Science & Research
Lines get longer closer to Shabbat, so time your visit carefully.
News & Media
Over the year they had developed into longer, closer embraces that sometimes finished with a slippery kiss on my cheek, or even neck, since Dr. Field was shorter than me.
News & Media
Backyard farmers like the ones in Malaysia might be exposed to fewer animals, but they tend to have longer, closer contact with the animals that they do have.
Cook the oil for longer (closer to 30 minutes) for a stronger garlic taste.
Wiki
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
53 human-written examples
Storefronts are no longer closed up.
News & Media
The building is no longer closed; tenants began moving back into the building last week.
News & Media
These (and other) milestones are no longer closed to the public.
News & Media
The second in Somerset, lasted a little longer, closing in 1999.
News & Media
He and Fischer are no longer close; he says that he finds Fischer's "political discourse unduly harsh".
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
To improve clarity, replace the phrase "longer closer" with more descriptive alternatives such as "more extended nearby" or "greater proximity" depending on the context.
Common error
Do not use "longer closer" without clarifying the relationship between length and proximity. Provide context to ensure the reader understands what is getting longer and what is getting closer.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "longer closer" acts as a comparative description, aiming to modify a noun by indicating increases in both duration and proximity. However, as Ludwig AI points out, its grammatical correctness is questionable. It often requires additional context for clear understanding.
Frequent in
News & Media
43%
Science
29%
Wiki
14%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "longer closer" is used to describe something increasing in both duration and proximity, but its grammatical status is considered incorrect. Ludwig AI underlines that, while understandable in certain contexts, it lacks the precision needed for formal writing. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Science sources. To improve clarity, consider using alternatives like "more extended nearby" or "greater proximity". While the phrase is found, as shown by Ludwig, in a variety of sources, it should be used with caution due to its ambiguous nature.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
more extended nearby
Replaces the two comparative adjectives with a clearer prepositional phrase indicating proximity and duration.
greater proximity
Focuses on the aspect of closeness while implying an increase in it.
increased duration near
Emphasizes the aspect of time while using the preposition to suggest nearness.
extended proximity
Highlights the length of time and proximity, but doesn't imply increasing duration. It describes the condition of something being more extended.
more prolonged nearness
Uses synonyms for both words and clarifies the comparative nature.
longer in proximity
Rephrases to specify the location in the location.
closer in time
Rephrases to specify the proximity in time.
more closely and for a longer time
Rephrases using more common expressions to show length and proximity.
a more extended and intimate relationship
Implies closeness, replacing it with intimacy, and adds relationship to the context.
more depth in a closer vicinity
Changes length to depth to connote something different but similar in feeling, and adds vicinity to the context.
FAQs
How can I rephrase "longer closer" to improve clarity?
Consider alternatives such as "more extended nearby" or "greater proximity", depending on the specific context you want to convey. You could also say something is "longer in duration and closer in proximity".
Is "longer closer" grammatically correct?
While understandable in some contexts, "longer closer" is not considered standard English. It's better to use clearer phrases like "more extended nearby" or "greater proximity".
When is it acceptable to use the phrase "longer closer"?
It might be acceptable in informal contexts or when the meaning is very clear from the surrounding text. However, in formal writing, it is advisable to use more precise language.
What does "longer closer" usually imply?
Typically, it suggests that something is increasing in duration and/or that it is physically nearer. It is better to elaborate on the specific relationship you are describing with an example.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested