not close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not close" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not near in distance, time, or relationship. Example: "The two cities are not close to each other, making travel between them quite time-consuming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Not close.

The New York Times

It did not close.

The New York Times

"Shops must not close.

The New York Times

We're certainly not close.

Independent

It was not close.

The New York Times

That's not close".

The New York Times

Not close by.

The New Yorker

"We're not close to that".

The New York Times

The wound would not close.

The New York Times - Health

Close, but not close enough.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"We're not closing".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not close" to clearly express that something lacks proximity, similarity, or intimacy. Ensure the context clarifies what is not close, whether it's physical distance, emotional connection, or conceptual similarity.

Common error

Avoid using "not close" when a more specific term would provide clarity. For instance, instead of saying "the deadline is not close", specify "the deadline is still weeks away" if time is the primary concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not close" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or adjective. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It indicates a lack of proximity, whether physical, emotional, or conceptual.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

12%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not close" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate a lack of proximity, similarity, or connection, according to Ludwig AI. It is grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in news and media sources. While simple, it effectively conveys the absence of nearness, whether physical, emotional, or conceptual. Understanding its nuances and alternatives, such as "far from" or "nowhere near", can enhance precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

far from

Indicates a significant distance, either physically or metaphorically.

nowhere near

Emphasizes a great degree of difference or distance.

not remotely

Suggests a complete lack of connection or similarity.

distant from

Implies a separation in terms of relationship or proximity.

unrelated to

Highlights a lack of connection or relevance.

not allied

Specifies a lack of alliance or partnership.

well apart

Highlights physical or metaphorical separation.

not intimate

Indicates a lack of personal closeness or familiarity.

not adjoining

Refers specifically to physical separation, not sharing a border.

poles apart

Expresses extreme opposition or difference.

FAQs

How can I use "not close" in a sentence?

You can use "not close" to describe physical distance, emotional connection, or similarity. For example, "The cities are "far apart"" or "They are "not intimate"."

What phrases are similar to "not close"?

Similar phrases include "far from", "nowhere near", or "distant from", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "not close" in formal writing?

Yes, "not close" is acceptable in formal writing. However, consider whether a more precise or sophisticated term like "disparate" or "unrelated" might be more appropriate depending on the context.

What's the difference between "not close" and "not near"?

"Not close" and "not near" are very similar, but "not close" can sometimes imply a lack of emotional connection or similarity, while "not near" usually refers to physical distance.