nearest people

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nearest people" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It could be used in contexts where you are referring to the closest individuals in proximity, but it is better to clarify the meaning for better understanding. Example: "In case of an emergency, please contact the nearest people for assistance."

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The nearest people live in the village of Quetena Chico, a long drive away (see map).

The Economist

The nearest people might be several hundred miles away, perhaps thousands.

The Guardian - Opinion

That's the thing: when I listen on public transport, my headphones act as a separator – a wired barrier between me and the nearest people.

The Guardian - Opinion

You can spend the night in a canvas-walled yurt, miles of woods away from the nearest people, wake up to a view of sky through the roof and have the euphoria of outdoor sleeping without even lugging a tent.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Avoid those people who treat you badly, sit near good people.

WikiHow

He needed to get near people.

The New Yorker

Pesticide works, but is unpopular anywhere near people.

The Economist

"If you have power nearer people, that generates more confidence.

Independent

Don't go near people with children (even though I have them myself).

Independent

E.P.A. officials said their first priority was to address sites near people's homes.

The New York Times

They settled in the cheapest parts of town, near people who spoke the same language.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing emergency situations, clarify the type of assistance the "nearest people" can provide. For example, specify if they are "trained medical staff" or "security personnel".

Common error

Be specific when using the phrase "nearest people". If you mean the closest relatives, say "nearest relatives". If you mean the closest individuals geographically, say "closest individuals" or "those nearby" to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nearest people" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition or a direct object. It identifies a group of individuals based on their proximity to a specific location or subject. As Ludwig AI explains, it can sometimes sound awkward and other formulations may be better.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "nearest people" is understandable, it's not the most common or stylistically refined choice. It functions to identify individuals based on their proximity and often implies a need for interaction or assistance. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's important to consider the context and audience when using this phrase and to opt for more precise alternatives like "closest individuals" or "people nearby" when appropriate. The phrase appears more frequently in News & Media and Wiki contexts but is rare overall.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

closest individuals

Replaces 'people' with a more formal term, emphasizing individuality.

those in close proximity

Focuses on physical nearness rather than a direct social connection.

individuals nearby

Uses a simpler adjective to indicate nearness.

people in the vicinity

Emphasizes the general area instead of immediate closeness.

people within reach

Suggests potential interaction or assistance.

most accessible people

Highlights ease of contact or approach.

neighboring individuals

Implies living or working in the same area.

people in close range

Focuses on the short distance.

adjacent people

Highlights being side-by-side or immediately next to.

people in the immediate area

Highlights people inside a specific, small region.

FAQs

What does "nearest people" mean?

The phrase "nearest people" refers to individuals who are closest in proximity to a particular location or person. It can imply physical closeness or a sense of immediate availability.

How can I use "nearest people" in a sentence?

You might say, "In case of an emergency, seek help from the "closest individuals"" or "The "nearest relatives" were notified of the incident."

What are some alternatives to "nearest people"?

Consider using phrases like "closest individuals", "those nearby", or "people in the vicinity" for greater clarity depending on the intended meaning.

Is "nearest people" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "nearest people" may sound slightly awkward. It's generally more common and stylistically sound to use phrases like "closest people" or "people nearby".