not particularly close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not particularly close" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship or distance that is not intimate or near in proximity or connection. Example: "Although they are friends, they are not particularly close and rarely share personal details with each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But they were not particularly close.

The New Yorker

They are not particularly close.

The New York Times

Bjorn's not particularly close either.

The Guardian - Sport

Advantage: Brady This one was not particularly close.

The New York Times

Still, Mr. Clinton is not particularly close to Mr. Obama.

The New York Times

First, he said, Canseco and McGwire were not particularly close.

The New York Times

They were acquaintances, but not particularly close friends.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Though not particularly close, they worked together professionally.

The New York Times - Arts

So, we've already illustrated that they're not particularly close to the center.

Yale University

The two of them were not particularly close, but she valued his suggestions.

The New Yorker

The brothers, separated in age by six years, are not particularly close.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not particularly close" to describe relationships, distances, or connections that are present but not strong. For example, "While they work together, they are "not particularly close" friends."

Common error

Avoid using "not particularly close" excessively in formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports. Opt for more precise and sophisticated language to convey the intended meaning, such as "somewhat distant" or "relatively detached".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not particularly close" functions as an adverbial modifier specifying the degree of closeness in a relationship or proximity. Ludwig confirms its correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

13%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not particularly close" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to describe relationships or proximities that lack strong intimacy or connection. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across diverse contexts, including news, academic writing, and scientific reports, with a neutral register. While versatile, consider using more specific alternatives like "somewhat distant" or "relatively detached" in formal settings for enhanced precision. Be mindful of the context, as it affects the most appropriate term to employ. This phrase is more common in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not especially intimate

Emphasizes the lack of deep personal connection or emotional closeness.

somewhat distant

Suggests a degree of emotional or physical separation, implying less interaction.

not intimately acquainted

Focuses on the lack of personal knowledge and familiarity between individuals.

relatively detached

Highlights a lack of emotional involvement or connection.

not strongly connected

Indicates a weak or loose bond between people or things.

loosely affiliated

Implies a formal or informal association that lacks close ties.

not deeply involved

Highlights a lack of commitment or emotional investment.

not on intimate terms

Focuses on the lack of a personal or informal relationship.

rather removed

Suggests a sense of being physically or emotionally distant from a situation or person.

a bit estranged

Implies a separation or alienation, often due to conflict or disagreement.

FAQs

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

You can use "not particularly close" to describe a relationship or proximity that is not strong or intimate. For example: "Although they work in the same office, they are "not particularly close"."

What are some alternatives to "not particularly close"?

Alternatives include "somewhat distant", "not very close", or "relatively detached", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "not particularly close"?

Yes, "not particularly close" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to indicate a lack of strong connection or proximity.

What's the difference between "not particularly close" and "not very close"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "not particularly close" can sometimes suggest a slightly greater degree of distance or detachment compared to "not very close".