moved close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moved close" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of physically or metaphorically approaching someone or something. Example: "As the storm approached, we moved close to the shelter for safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He then moved close to the camera.

The Guardian - Business

Chinalco has moved close to 700 families since September.

The New York Times

Some of the guests moved close, listening, too.

The New Yorker

The aid worker, David Welin, moved close to Mr. Aliu.

The New York Times

"We've moved close on a front," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Nearby, Ms. Chow moved close to her bags.

The New York Times

Right after the bid, HBOS shares moved close to that implied value.

The Economist

A cyclone moved close to the coast that night, deluging roads and closing airports.

The New Yorker

The other, a woman, was reading a newspaper when a man, apparently Mr. Gelman, moved close.

The New York Times

In the third, the public mood has moved close to hysteria.

The Economist

She moved close and shook the woman's hand, then stepped back and looked at her carefully.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "moved close" to describe both physical and metaphorical approaches, such as "moved close to a deal" or "moved close to the shore".

Common error

While "moved close" is generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "approached" or "drew nearer" in academic or professional writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moved close" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a change in physical or metaphorical proximity. It describes the action of approaching something or someone, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

13%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "moved close" is a versatile and commonly used expression signifying a reduction in distance, whether physical or metaphorical. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While suitable for general contexts, more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic or professional settings. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, with notable presence in scientific and wiki sources. Consider the context to determine the most appropriate synonym, such as "approached" or "drew nearer", for enhanced clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

came closer

A more general term indicating a reduction in distance.

neared

A simple and direct synonym for approaching or drawing closer.

approached

Implies a direct movement towards something or someone, often with a specific intention.

drew nearer

Suggests a gradual closing of distance, often in a physical sense.

advanced towards

Indicates a forward movement with purpose, often used in a military or strategic context.

closed in on

Suggests surrounding or converging on a target, often implying a threat or pursuit.

gravitated to

Implies a natural or irresistible attraction towards something or someone.

converged on

Indicates multiple entities moving towards a central point.

inched closer

Describes a very slow and cautious approach.

edged nearer

Suggests a subtle and cautious approach, often to avoid detection.

FAQs

What does "moved close" mean?

"Moved close" signifies a reduction in distance or a closer proximity, either physically or metaphorically.

What are some alternatives to "moved close"?

You can use alternatives like "came closer", "approached", or "drew nearer" depending on the context.

How do I use "moved close" in a sentence?

Use "moved close" to describe the action of getting nearer to something, as in "The aid worker "moved close" to Mr. Aliu".

Is it correct to say "moved close to"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. For example, "The islanders "moved close" to the castle for safety".