no closer to

USAGE SUMMARY

"no closer to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express that something isn't getting any better, or that something isn't getting any closer to a goal. For example, "After trying for hours, she was still no closer to solving the math problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But often we come no closer to a solution.

The New Yorker

I'm still no closer to working it out.

The Guardian - Music

But the government seems no closer to finding a way to prevent these regular national humiliations.

The Economist

We are still no closer to finding out who ordered the hit.

Independent

That would get the city no closer to balancing its budget.

The New York Times

All my life, I've pondered these questions, and yet I'm still no closer to any answers.

The New Yorker

Oppenheimer comes no closer to answering these questions than anybody else.

The New York Times - Books

"I'm no closer to God than anyone else is.

Huffington Post

I'm no closer to being a role model but I did learn some things.

Vice

After spending two paragraphs debunking "evidence" I'm no closer to the heart of the issue.

Vice

But that goal seems no closer to realization than it did thousands of years ago.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "no closer to", ensure that the context clearly defines the goal or outcome that is not being approached. This provides clarity and strengthens the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "no closer to" when the situation actually involves moving further away from a goal. "Further from" or "more distant from" would be more appropriate in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "no closer to" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a subject to indicate a lack of progress or advancement towards a specified objective or understanding. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability, as seen in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "no closer to" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for indicating a lack of progress toward a specific goal or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it fits seamlessly into diverse contexts, especially within news and media. While versatile, it's crucial to distinguish its meaning from phrases like "further from", which implies actual regression. Remembering to keep context clear and nuance appropriate ensures effective communication, avoiding common pitfalls in its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

no nearer to

Indicates a lack of physical or metaphorical proximity to a goal or understanding.

not any closer to

Adds emphasis to the lack of progress.

no closer than before

Emphasizes that the current state is the same as a previous state, with no improvement.

still far from

Highlights the significant distance remaining to reach a goal.

making no headway

Focuses on the lack of forward movement or progress.

no progress toward

Highlights that there isn't any progress.

as far as ever from

Suggests that the distance to the goal may have even increased.

remaining distant from

Emphasizes the continued separation from a goal or understanding.

no forward steps toward

Focuses specifically on the absence of advancement.

stuck in the same place

Expresses a feeling of stagnation and lack of movement.

FAQs

How can I use "no closer to" in a sentence?

You can use "no closer to" to indicate a lack of progress toward a specific goal. For example, "After hours of searching, they were "no closer to" finding the missing keys."

What are some alternatives to saying "no closer to"?

Alternatives include "no nearer to", "still far from", or "making no headway", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "no closer to"?

Yes, "no closer to" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to express a lack of progress toward a goal or understanding, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

What's the difference between "no closer to" and "further from"?

"No closer to" implies a lack of progress, while "further from" implies a regression or moving away from the intended goal. For example, if you are trying to solve a problem but making no progress, you are "no closer to" the solution. If your actions are actually making the problem worse, you are "further from" the solution.