much too close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "much too close" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize that something is excessively or excessively close. Example: "The car was much too close to the edge of the cliff for comfort." In this sentence, the speaker is expressing that the car is too close to the edge and it makes them feel uncomfortable.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I was much too close to the Rolling Stones".

The New Yorker

"People are interfering by getting much too close," he says.

The Guardian

It's not love: it's much too close for that.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Andersen and Enron executives had become much too close, say critics.

The Economist

Two or three times in the last hour, they were much too close for England's comfort.

The Times

Polls indicate that the race is much too close to call.

The New York Times

Ms. Buck and Mr. Nichols say the election is much too close.

The New York Times

One pollster called it "a fabulous race," much too close to call.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Critics said that could be leading investors to take too much risk too close to their retirement.

The New York Times

But Daschle was too much and too close in time.

Huffington Post

But do not eat too much or too close to the game.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "much too close" to describe a relationship, consider if "uncomfortably close" might be a more precise way to convey the intended unease. This adds nuance and avoids potential ambiguity.

Common error

While "much too close" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your text sound less sophisticated. Substitute with phrases like "excessively near" or "unduly proximate" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "much too close" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying an adjective. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to intensify the degree to which something is considered "close".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "much too close" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverbial phrase that intensifies the adjective "close", as Ludwig AI explains. It commonly expresses concern or disapproval regarding proximity. Its primary function lies in modifying an adjective to emphasize the undesirable degree of closeness across a range of contexts, primarily in News & Media, but also in Science and Business. While widely acceptable, remember to consider stylistic alternatives like "excessively near" or "uncomfortably close" for greater precision or formality. Based on the analysis, "much too close" is a versatile and effective phrase for conveying concern about proximity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncomfortably close

Highlights the discomfort or unease caused by the proximity.

unacceptably close

Indicates that the proximity is not permissible or tolerable.

excessively near

Emphasizes the degree of nearness more directly than the original phrase.

alarmingly near

Similar to dangerously near but with a stronger sense of surprise or worry.

dangerously near

Suggests that the closeness poses a potential risk or hazard.

just inches away

Specifies the small distance separating things.

too proximate

A more formal and technical way of expressing excessive closeness.

within touching distance

Emphasizes that something is so close you could physically touch it.

right on top of

An informal way to indicate something is very close.

in immediate proximity

A formal way of saying something is very close by.

FAQs

How can I use "much too close" in a sentence?

You can use "much too close" to describe physical proximity, like "The car was "much too close" to the vehicle in front". It can also describe relationships or situations, such as "They had become "much too close" for comfort".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "much too close"?

Alternatives include "excessively near", "uncomfortably close", "dangerously near", or "unacceptably close", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "much too close"?

Yes, the phrase "much too close" is grammatically correct. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a common way to emphasize that something is excessively or excessively close.

What's the difference between "too close" and "much too close"?

"Much" intensifies the adverb "too", making "much too close" stronger than just "too close". It emphasizes that the level of closeness is significantly more than desirable or acceptable.