pretty close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pretty close" is correct and usable in written English.
It suggests that something is near or almost accurate. For example, "I think I'm pretty close to understanding this concept."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We're pretty close.

The New York Times - Sports

It's pretty close, though.

Yale University

It's pretty close.

Cornell University

That's pretty close.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was pretty close.

The New York Times - Books

Even then, it's pretty close.

The Economist

I think pretty close.

The Washington Post

Your answer was pretty close.

The New York Times

I think I'm pretty close".

The New York Times - Sports

But he came pretty close.

The New York Times

But they came pretty close.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pretty close" to indicate an estimation or approximation, particularly when the exact value or measurement is not crucial. It's ideal for informal contexts where a precise figure isn't necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "pretty close" in highly formal or technical writing where precision is paramount. Opt for more exact language, such as "approximately" or "nearly identical", to maintain a professional tone and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pretty close" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase modifying an adjective. It indicates a degree of approximation or nearness to a certain state or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pretty close" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression in English, denoting a reasonable approximation or near accuracy. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s acceptable for use, particularly in neutral to informal contexts, frequently appearing in news and media. While not suited for highly formal or technical writing, it serves as a useful way to indicate estimations without precise values. Consider alternatives such as "nearly identical" or "approximately" in formal contexts. Avoid overusing it where precision is key. The analysis based on the data shows consistent usage and clear communicative purpose of the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close enough

Highlights that a certain level of closeness has been achieved, often implying acceptance or satisfaction.

not far off

Uses a negative construction to express closeness, implying that the actual value or position is nearby.

fairly near

Substitutes "pretty" with "fairly", creating a slightly more formal tone while retaining the sense of proximity.

almost accurate

Shifts the focus to accuracy rather than proximity, implying a high degree of correctness.

nearly exact

Emphasizes the almost perfect correspondence, often used in mathematical or scientific contexts.

substantially similar

Highlights the degree of resemblance, typically used in contexts where precise matching is expected.

virtually identical

Suggests that the differences are so minimal as to be negligible, emphasizing similarity.

in the vicinity

Replaces the informal "pretty close" with a more formal and spatial term, emphasizing location.

roughly approximate

Indicates an estimation or a less precise calculation, suitable when exactness is not critical.

approaching perfection

Indicates that something is moving toward a perfect state, focusing on the direction of change.

FAQs

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

You can use "pretty close" to express that something is near, but not exactly right. For example, "I think I'm pretty close to figuring out the solution", or "The estimated cost was pretty close to the actual cost".

What's a more formal alternative to "pretty close"?

For more formal situations, consider using alternatives like "nearly identical", "approximately", or "in the vicinity" depending on the context.

Is "pretty close" grammatically correct?

Yes, "pretty close" is grammatically correct and widely used in spoken and written English, though it's more appropriate for informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity.

What's the difference between "pretty close" and "very close"?

"Pretty close" suggests a slightly lesser degree of closeness than "very close". "Very close" indicates nearness, while "pretty close" implies a reasonable approximation.