moved closer to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moved closer to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that someone or something has moved toward something else in order to become nearer to it. For example, "The man moved closer to the fire in order to stay warm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We moved closer to the painting.

The New Yorker

He moved closer to me, surprised.

The New Yorker

She moved closer to him.

The Guardian - Books

Kearney moved closer to him.

The New York Times - Magazine

I moved closer to the rabbi's desk.

The New York Times

He moved closer to the trees.

The New Yorker

Wall Street moved closer to post-Sept.

The New York Times

Gee moved closer to the goal on Friday.

The New York Times - Sports

All winter long, the front moved closer to home.

The New Yorker

But he has not moved closer to canonization.

The Washington Post

Meanwhile, the New Museum has moved closer to the mainstream.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "moved closer to" to describe progress toward a goal or state, such as "The company moved closer to its profitability target."

Common error

Avoid using "moved closer to" in highly abstract or metaphorical situations where a more specific verb would be appropriate. For example, instead of "The discussion moved closer to understanding", consider "The discussion fostered understanding."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moved closer to" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase indicating movement in a specific direction to reduce distance or approach a state. As seen in Ludwig, this can apply to physical locations or abstract concepts, representing progress or alignment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moved closer to" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe the action of approaching a physical location, objective, or concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable. Its frequency is very common, mostly in News and Media. When employing "moved closer to", ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning of approaching or nearing, and avoid overly abstract or metaphorical uses. Consider alternatives like ""approached"" or ""advanced toward"" depending on the nuance you want to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

came closer to

Rephrases the original with a different verb, maintaining similar meaning.

approached

Focuses on the action of nearing something, omitting the prepositional element.

advanced toward

Emphasizes the forward motion and direction.

drew nearer to

A more literary alternative, highlighting a gradual approach.

neared

A concise option that simply states the act of becoming near.

progressed closer to

Highlights advancement towards a specific objective or state.

inched toward

Implies a slow and cautious movement.

shifted closer to

Indicates a change in position to reduce the space between things.

gravitated toward

Suggests a natural inclination or attraction.

converged upon

Describes the action of different components coming together to meet.

FAQs

How can I use "moved closer to" in a sentence?

You can use "moved closer to" to describe physical movement, progress towards a goal, or alignment with an idea. For example: "She "moved closer to" the stage to get a better view", "The project "moved closer to" completion", or "The parties "moved closer to" an agreement".

What are some alternatives to "moved closer to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "approached", "advanced toward", or "came closer to".

Is it correct to say "moved nearer to" instead of "moved closer to"?

Yes, "moved nearer to" is a perfectly acceptable alternative with a similar meaning. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you wish to convey.

How do I decide when to use "moved closer to" versus "approached"?

"Moved closer to" implies a deliberate reduction of distance, while ""approached"" can be more general. Use ""moved closer to"" when the act of getting closer is significant. For instance, "The detective "moved closer to" the suspect" suggests a deliberate action, whereas "The deadline "approached"" simply indicates the passage of time.