pressing close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pressing close" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of moving or being positioned closely together, often in a physical or emotional context. Example: "As the storm approached, the children huddled together, pressing close for warmth and comfort."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Whoops erupt from the crowd, which is pressing close.

The New York Times

The circle around me became a crowd, pressing close.

The New Yorker

Acclimate yourself to the feeling of other bicycles pressing close, Mr. Vande Velde said.

The New York Times

When the helicopter landed, they rushed over the grass, pressing close to the battered Russian Mi-8.

The New Yorker

She was ordering back the horde of reporters that was pressing close to Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel.

The New York Times - Sports

In the interval, the musicians entertain the crowd, a flock of teenagers pressing close, clicking away with their cameraphones.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

For all its agility and pressing close-ups, the film doesn't capture that spirit or even adequately show the kind of experience that might have let it grow.

The New York Times

They had been holding until that time, standing in the windowsills, being crowded by others behind them, the fire pressing closer and closer, the smoke closer and closer.

Cornell University

Girl after girl popped through the large front doors, the parents outside pressing closer, their faces giving every girl a bright smile just in case this girl, or this girl, or this girl morphed into their particular girl.

The New Yorker

We were first to the loose balls, we were pressing, closing down.

BBC

"Some guys wanted to step up and carry the team for a bit and were pressing," closer Sean Doolittle said.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pressing close" to vividly describe physical proximity, emotional intimacy, or a sense of increasing pressure in a narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "pressing close" excessively in formal or technical writing, as it can sound overly descriptive or informal. Consider using more precise language to convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pressing close" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used to describe an action involving physical proximity or emotional closeness. Ludwig's examples illustrate this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pressing close" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe physical proximity or emotional intimacy. As indicated by Ludwig, it is considered grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's suitable for many situations, avoiding overuse in formal settings is advisable. Related phrases like "drawing near" or "crowding together" can provide alternatives depending on the desired nuance. Remember to consider the context and intended meaning when incorporating "pressing close" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drawing near

Focuses on the act of approaching or coming closer, emphasizing movement.

drawing nearer

Similar to drawing near, but emphasizes the continuous nature of the approach.

crowding together

Highlights the act of multiple entities gathering closely, implying a lack of space.

approaching closely

Similar to drawing near but highlights nearness at the end.

huddling together

Suggests a close gathering, often for warmth, comfort, or protection.

closing in

Implies a sense of encirclement or reducing the available space.

closing the gap

Emphasizes reducing the distance between two things.

converging

Describes multiple entities moving towards a central point, resulting in closeness.

encircling

Describes the act of surrounding something closely, emphasizing containment.

becoming intimate

Focuses on emotional closeness and a developing relationship.

FAQs

How can I use "pressing close" in a sentence?

"Pressing close" can be used to describe physical proximity (e.g., "The crowd was pressing close to the stage") or emotional intimacy (e.g., "They were pressing close to each other for comfort").

What are some alternatives to "pressing close"?

Alternatives include "drawing near", "crowding together", or "huddling together", depending on the context.

Is "pressing close" considered formal or informal language?

"Pressing close" leans towards the neutral side but can also suggest a slightly informal or descriptive tone. It's suitable for news articles, creative writing, and general communication.

How does "pressing close" differ from "approaching closely"?

"Pressing close" often implies a degree of physical force or emotional intensity, whereas "approaching closely" simply means coming nearer without necessarily implying pressure or intensity.