not close to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not close to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a significant distance or difference in relation to something, whether physical, emotional, or conceptual. Example: "The results of the experiment were not close to what we had anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

CNN Not Close To Deal With Other Networks-CEO.

Forbes

"We're not close to that".

The New York Times

We are not close to a deal".

The New York Times

But he was not close to Varma.

The New Yorker

I'm not close to them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's not close to close".

The New York Times

"I'm not close to him or anything.

The New York Times

"And he's not close to being done".

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's not close to random," he wrote.

The New York Times

CROSS -- It's not close to that, Greg.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was not close to the Taliban.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not close to" to clearly indicate a lack of proximity, similarity, or achievement of a particular state. Be mindful of the context to ensure the phrase accurately conveys the intended meaning.

Common error

While "not close to" is versatile, avoid overuse in formal contexts. Opt for more precise language, such as "far from", "distinct from", or "dissimilar to", for enhanced clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not close to" functions primarily as a predicative adjective phrase, often modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of being distant or dissimilar. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in describing physical distance, progress toward a goal, or similarity between two things.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not close to" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression widely employed to convey a lack of proximity, similarity, or achievement across a spectrum of contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While frequently appearing in news and media sources, it also finds application in scientific writing. Although deemed acceptable for professional use, exercising discretion in formal contexts is advisable. When precision is paramount, alternative options such as "far from" or "distinct from" may be more appropriate. This guidance helps to use it effectively, contributing to clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

far from

Indicates a greater distance or difference compared to "not close to".

nowhere near

Emphasizes the significant lack of proximity or similarity.

not remotely

Highlights the absence of even a slight connection or resemblance.

a world away from

Suggests a very large difference or distance, often figuratively.

distinct from

Focuses on the clear and noticeable differences between two things.

dissimilar to

Highlights the lack of similarity between two things.

not in the same league as

Indicates a significant difference in quality or ability.

bears no resemblance to

Emphasizes the complete lack of similarity between two things.

a far cry from

Implies a significant difference, often with a sense of disappointment or unmet expectation.

not in the vicinity of

Specifically refers to a lack of physical proximity.

FAQs

What does "not close to" mean?

The phrase "not close to" indicates that something is distant, either physically or figuratively, from a particular point, target, or condition. It suggests a significant lack of proximity or similarity.

What can I say instead of "not close to"?

You can use alternatives like "far from", "nowhere near", or "distinct from" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "not close to being done"?

Yes, "not close to being done" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression. It signifies that something is far from completion.

What's the difference between "not close to" and "far from"?

While both phrases indicate a lack of proximity, "far from" ("far from") often implies a greater distance or difference than "not close to". The choice between them depends on the degree of separation you want to emphasize.