much closer than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "much closer than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the proximity or similarity of two things, indicating that one is significantly nearer or more similar to another than a third option. Example: "The new model is much closer than the previous version in terms of performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Much closer than before.

The New Yorker

Can't get much closer than that.

The New York Times

It can't get much closer than that".

The New York Times - Sports

Still not a perfect match, but much closer than before.

The New York Times

It will probably be much closer than that.

The Economist

I'll accept that because they're much closer than me.

The Guardian - Sport

From Baidoa, Ethiopia is much closer than Kenya.

The Guardian

2. Get in much closer than you think.

The Guardian - Travel

Kennan and Kissinger were, in fact, much closer than contemporary analysts put them.

The New Yorker

The game was much closer than the final score, inflated by three late Boston goals, indicated.

The New York Times - Sports

But that was much closer than among voters who said the debates were unimportant.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "much closer than" to effectively compare the relative proximity of two items or concepts, ensuring clarity in your comparison. For example, "The deadline is much closer than you think."

Common error

Avoid using "more closer than" as it is grammatically incorrect. "Closer" already implies a comparative degree, so adding "more" is redundant. Stick to "much closer than" for correct usage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "much closer than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, expressing a greater degree of proximity or similarity compared to something else. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

11%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "much closer than" is a grammatically correct and very common comparative phrase used to emphasize a significant difference in proximity or similarity. As validated by Ludwig AI, its versatility is evident across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure you're accurately conveying the magnitude of difference and avoid redundant comparisons like "more closer". Alternatives such as "significantly nearer than" offer varied stylistic options. Remember to use "much closer than" to make your comparisons more impactful and precise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significantly nearer than

Emphasizes a notable difference in proximity.

considerably closer than

Highlights the substantial degree of closeness.

substantially nearer than

Stresses a large difference in distance.

far closer in comparison to

Emphasizes the difference while adding a comparison.

considerably more approximate to

Highlights a greater level of approximation.

remarkably more intimate than

Highlights a higher degree of intimacy or familiarity.

noticeably more adjacent than

Emphasizes the noticeable aspect of being adjacent or nearby.

appreciably more proximate than

Highlights an important, appreciable difference in proximity.

tangibly closer to

Emphasizes the sense of touch and physical closeness.

decidedly less distant than

Emphasizes reduced distance, presenting a shift in spatial arrangement.

FAQs

How can I use "much closer than" in a sentence?

You can use "much closer than" to compare the proximity or similarity of two things. For example, "The new house is much closer than the old one", or "Their views are much closer than I expected".

What's a more formal way to say "much closer than"?

While "much closer than" is generally acceptable, you can use more formal alternatives like "significantly nearer than" or "considerably more approximate to" in academic or professional contexts.

Which is correct: "closer than" or "much closer than"?

Both are correct, but "much closer than" emphasizes a greater difference in proximity or similarity. "Closer than" is a general comparison, while "much closer than" indicates a substantial difference.

What can I say instead of "much closer than" when discussing relationships?

When discussing relationships, you might use phrases like "remarkably more intimate than" or "considerably more connected than" depending on the specific context.