not so close

USAGE SUMMARY

"not so close" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is not as close in proximity to something else as it may have been expected to be. For example: "The two towns are not so close to each other, so it makes more sense to drive than to take the train."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Maybe I'm not so close to oligarchs".

The New York Times

Not so close to an NBA record.

The Guardian - Sport

"Find another place not so close to the water".

The New Yorker

I've heard gunshots, but not so loud, not so close.

The New Yorker

The polls are reasonably close nationally, but apparently not so close in the swing states.

The New York Times

If the election this year was not so close, it was far more expensive.

The New York Times

Neighbors are nearby, but not so close she has to have curtains.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Messages from my not-so close friends rolled in: "Hey, Donna.

Huffington Post

Not when the heroine asks a not-so-close friend to help her get rid of the body and the dialogue goes like this.

The New York Times - Books

Your not-so-close friend is clearly going through a rough time, which may explain his muddied thinking and dulled social skills.

The New York Times

Those who have close native-place ties with their mid-level manager show higher commitment (p < .1), while not-so-close ties decrease commitment by 0.21 units.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not so close" to describe a relationship, consider adding context to clarify the nature of the distance (e.g., "We are friendly, but not so close that we share personal secrets").

Common error

Avoid using "not so close" as a weak substitute for stronger negative expressions. For instance, instead of saying "The movie was not so close to being good", use "The movie was far from being good" for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not so close" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to indicate a degree of separation or lack of proximity. Ludwig AI indicates this is correct and usable in written English. Examples show usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not so close" functions as an adverbial phrase to indicate a relative distance or lack of intimacy. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. While the phrase is common, it's essential to use it with context to clarify the specific nature of the distance or separation being described. Alternative phrases like "not very near" or "somewhat distant" can offer greater precision depending on the intended meaning. Avoid misusing "not so close" as a weak substitute for more impactful negative expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not very near

Emphasizes the distance aspect, suggesting something isn't in close physical proximity.

relatively far

Stresses the comparative distance between two points.

not particularly close

Highlights a lack of strong connection or relationship.

not in close range

Emphasizes that something is outside of immediate proximity or reach.

somewhat distant

Implies a noticeable separation, either physically or emotionally.

not closely linked

Emphasizes a lack of connection or association.

not intimately acquainted

Focuses on the lack of familiarity between people.

a bit removed

Suggests a slight detachment or separation.

at a remove

Implies a certain distance or detachment from something.

not within reach

Focuses on the inability to access or obtain something easily.

FAQs

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

You can use "not so close" to describe physical distance, relationships, or degrees of similarity. For example, "The towns aren't "not so close", so driving is better than taking the train", or "We are friends, but "not so close" that we know each other's deepest secrets".

What are some alternatives to saying "not so close"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "not very near", "somewhat distant", or "relatively far" to describe physical distance. For relationships, you might use "not particularly close".

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

Yes, "not so close" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to indicate that something is not very near or intimate. It is typically used to indicate that something is not as close in proximity to something else as it may have been expected to be.

What is the difference between "not so close" and "not even close"?

"Not so close" implies a moderate distance or lack of intimacy, while "not even close" suggests a complete lack of proximity or similarity. The latter is stronger and implies a significant difference.