longer so close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "longer so close" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It seems to be an attempt to express a change in proximity or relationship, but it lacks clarity and grammatical structure. Example: "We are no longer so close as we used to be."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Colleagues say Judges Sotomayor and Cabranes are no longer so close.

The New York Times

Indeed, Mr. Pettitte and Mr. Clemens, teammates on the Astros and the Yankees, are reportedly no longer so close.

The New York Times

Complicating matters further is that the Taliban's own relationship with Pakistan has become fraught, with the ties between at least some of the Taliban leaders and the Pakistanis no longer so close, according to former Taliban.

The New York Times

It is widely known in the PR industry that she is no longer so close to Julia Hobsbawm, her former PR partner, who has since built a successful business, Editorial Intelligence, which analyses the output of key media commentators.

Independent

By Monday night, the race was no longer so close, and it was beginning to look like a military dictator remade into a tough-talking democrat would have a chance to reform a deeply broken government.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Interurban rail lines, and increasingly automobiles, meant that the wealthy no longer had to live so close to their businesses, and many chose to live in what had previously been summer homes in the county's east end.

Wikipedia

A new report now finds that many people are no longer pleased to be living so close to these carnivores.

BBC

Start hanging out with other people and get more friends so you aren't so close any longer.

WikiHow

We pray our prayers, we read our books, and wonder why God doesn't feel close any longer, so we just keep scavenging for the Divine in all the same places.

Huffington Post

With the election so close, Saturday is no longer a day of rest for pollsters.

The New York Times

Mr. Ply of Greenpeace said the spill had highlighted a broader and longer-term question for Thailand: the sustainability of pristine beaches so close to industrial zones.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "longer so close" in formal writing. Instead, opt for clearer and more grammatically sound alternatives like "not as close anymore" or "no longer near".

Common error

Don't assume that combining 'longer' and 'so close' creates a coherent expression of distance. Ensure your phrases clearly convey the intended meaning of reduced proximity or weakened relationships. Instead, use "'not as close anymore'".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "longer so close" attempts to express a change in proximity or relationship but is grammatically incorrect. It doesn't function as a standard grammatical unit. According to Ludwig AI, it lacks clarity and grammatical structure. The available examples show varied attempts to use it, but none establish a correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

40%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "longer so close" is grammatically incorrect and not recommended for use in formal writing. While some examples exist, they do not establish a clear, correct usage. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase lacks clarity and grammatical structure. For clearer communication, it is best to use alternatives such as "'not as close anymore'" or "'no longer near'". The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, but its informal nature and grammatical issues make it unsuitable for professional or academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as close anymore

Emphasizes a decrease in closeness over time, suitable when a bond has weakened.

no longer near

Focuses on physical proximity and the absence thereof.

not so intimate now

Highlights a reduction in emotional closeness or familiarity.

less closely associated

Suggests a decline in connection or involvement.

not quite as connected

Implies a reduction in the strength of a bond or link.

no longer in such proximity

Formally indicates a change in spatial nearness.

not this close now

Indicates a reduction in a bond or link.

less close than before

Highlights that the closeness now is lower than in the past.

not as tightly knit

Suggests that the components are less compact than they were.

distanced themselves

Indicates an action of increasing separation between two entities.

FAQs

How can I correctly express a decrease in closeness over time?

Instead of "longer so close", use phrases like "'not as close anymore'", "'no longer near'", or "'less intimate now'" to clearly convey the intended meaning.

Is "longer so close" grammatically correct?

No, "longer so close" is grammatically incorrect. It does not follow standard English grammar rules and lacks clarity. Prefer using alternatives like "'not as close'".

What are some formal alternatives to "longer so close"?

For formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "'no longer in such proximity'" or "'less closely associated'" to maintain a professional tone.

How can I use "not as close anymore" in a sentence?

You can use "not as close anymore" in sentences like, 'After the argument, they were "not as close anymore" as they used to be' or 'The company and its suppliers are "not as close anymore" due to recent policy changes'.