nearest to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nearest to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate proximity or closeness in relation to something else, whether in a physical, metaphorical, or abstract sense. Example: "The restaurant is nearest to the park, making it a convenient choice for lunch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Whichever comes nearest to me today".

The Guardian - Music

I think that's nearest to the mark.

The New Yorker

It was MagtiCom's cellphone tower nearest to the Russian border.

The New York Times

The kids nearest to him didn't seem to hear.

The New Yorker

This is the nearest to a festival I'll get.

The Guardian

The third option comes nearest to the current system.

The New York Times

The Orissa temples, however, remain nearest to the original archetype.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And the hotels nearest to Palestine have no record of Mr. Blair's staying there.

The New York Times

It is the same at Atirir Health Centre IV, the largest healthcare facility nearest to Katine.

The Guardian

It also uses location to show the things that are nearest to you right now.

The Guardian - Tech

Sweden seems nearest to stamping out paper currency, but Denmark and Norway are trailing close behind.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "nearest to", ensure you're clearly specifying what the subject is closest to. This provides context and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "nearest to" without a clear reference point. For example, instead of saying "the store is nearest", specify "the store is "nearest to" the town hall".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nearest to" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying nouns or pronouns by indicating relative proximity or closeness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correctly used to specify the closest entity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

29%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nearest to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that specifies proximity, with Ludwig AI confirming its correct usage. It is versatile and applicable across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. To use it effectively, ensure there's a clear reference point for comparison to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "closest to" exist, "nearest to" offers a balanced and widely accepted way to indicate closeness. The frequency of this phrase in reputable sources highlights its significance and practical value in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

closest to

Focuses on the absolute shortest distance, emphasizing physical proximity more directly.

adjacent to

Highlights direct adjacency or a shared boundary, implying immediate nearness.

next to

Indicates being in the immediate vicinity or sequence.

in proximity to

Uses more formal language to denote nearness or closeness.

in the vicinity of

Similar to 'in proximity to', but often refers to a general surrounding area.

in close range to

Emphasizes a short distance and potential interaction or impact.

hardly distinguishable from

Emphasizes similarity to the point of near indistinguishability, rather than just physical nearness.

closely resembles

Focuses on a high degree of similarity in appearance or characteristics.

bears a strong resemblance to

Similar to 'closely resembles', but with more formal language.

effectively the same as

Implies practical equivalence, emphasizing functional similarity more than physical proximity.

FAQs

How to use "nearest to" in a sentence?

Use "nearest to" to indicate the closest item, location, or concept in relation to something else. For instance, "The hospital is "nearest to" the airport" or "This solution is "nearest to" our ideal outcome".

What can I say instead of "nearest to"?

You can use alternatives like "closest to", "adjacent to", or "next to" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "nearest to" or "near to"?

Both "nearest to" and "near to" are grammatically correct, but "nearest to" specifically indicates the single closest item, while "near to" suggests general proximity.

What's the difference between "nearest to" and "closest to"?

"Nearest to" and "closest to" are often interchangeable. However, "nearest to" might sometimes imply a more general sense of proximity, while "closest to" emphasizes the shortest physical distance.