might be closer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might be closer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting a possibility or likelihood of something being nearer in distance or relation. Example: "Based on the new data, the solution might be closer than we initially thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"Rebranded" might be closer.

The Economist

Rockocracy might be closer than we thought.

The Guardian

"Red Dwarf" might be closer to the truth today.

The Economist

Surely, he suggested, someone like Dakota Staton might be closer?

The Guardian - Music

On a weekend, it might be closer to 12.

The New York Times

St . Johns might be closer to that goal than it has been in quite some time.

The New York Times - Sports

A universal vaccine for HIV/Aids might be closer than you think In other words..

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But some believe that Sanders might be closer to the end than he imagines.

The New York Times - Sports

But he did not dispute Mr. Labrador's assertion that the race might be closer than people expect.

The New York Times

Although we won't be flying planes with our minds anytime soon, surfing the Web on our smartphones might be closer.

The New York Times

"Anatomised" might be closer to what goes on in the work of Munro, though even that term is too clinical.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "might be closer" to express a tentative assessment of proximity, whether physical, temporal, or conceptual. It indicates a degree of uncertainty and suggests that further investigation or evidence may be needed for confirmation.

Common error

Avoid using "might be closer" when you possess concrete evidence. If you have definitive proof, opt for stronger, more assertive language to reflect the certainty of the situation. For example, instead of "the solution might be closer", use "the solution is now within reach".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might be closer" functions primarily as a modal expression of possibility combined with a comparative adjective phrase, suggesting that something could potentially be nearer in distance, time, or conceptual relation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses a tentative assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "might be closer" is a versatile phrase used to express the possibility that something is nearer or more attainable than previously thought. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. It is suitable for both formal and informal writing, though it's important to avoid overstating certainty when concrete evidence exists. Common alternatives include "could be nearer" and "may be more imminent". The phrase is prevalent in news, media, and scientific publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be nearer

Replaces "might" with "could" and "closer" with "nearer", both indicating possibility and proximity respectively.

may be nearer

Substitutes "might" with "may" and "closer" with "nearer", conveying a similar sense of possibility regarding proximity.

could be getting closer

Adds the progressive aspect ("getting") to emphasize the process of becoming closer.

could be more imminent

Replaces "closer" with "more imminent", shifting the focus from physical proximity to temporal closeness.

may prove to be closer

Adds "prove to be" to highlight the potential for later confirmation of the closeness.

may be more probable

Substitutes "closer" with "more probable", changing the context to likelihood rather than distance.

could be within reach

Replaces "closer" with "within reach", implying attainability rather than physical proximity.

may be on the horizon

Changes the imagery to something appearing "on the horizon", suggesting an event is nearing.

could be just around the corner

Employs an idiomatic expression to indicate something is very near or about to happen.

may be drawing near

Uses a more formal and literary tone to suggest something is approaching.

FAQs

How can I use "might be closer" in a sentence?

Use "might be closer" to express a possibility that something is nearer than previously thought, whether it's a physical location, a solution to a problem, or a future event. For example, "The answer "might be closer" than we imagine."

What are some alternatives to "might be closer"?

You can use alternatives like "could be nearer", "may be more imminent", or "could be within reach" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "might be closer" in formal writing?

Yes, "might be closer" is suitable for formal writing, especially when conveying a tentative assessment or hypothesis. However, ensure that the level of uncertainty aligns with the overall tone and purpose of your writing.

What's the difference between "might be closer" and "is closer"?

"Might be closer" suggests a possibility or a tentative conclusion, whereas "is closer" indicates a confirmed or more certain state. Use "might be closer" when you want to express uncertainty or a lack of definitive proof.