proximity between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proximity between" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is most often used to refer to the proximity of two or more physical objects, for example: "The proximity between the two buildings made it easy for them to communicate."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's tantalizing proximity between two articles from April 11.

The New York Times

Physical proximity between leaders and employees isn't always feasible.

Harvard Business Review

Victor Ginsburgh and Shlomo Weber look at linguistic proximity between groups and between languages.

Princeton University

But for the parole board, the proximity between reality and the proposed role was too much; Garrone's request was refused.

The Guardian - Film

How is the University of Massachusetts research team addressing the close proximity between the bogs and residential areas?

The New York Times

This effect increases with the technological proximity between the appointing firm and the outsider's home firm.

Research Policy

Proximity between very old and very young strikes some people as an opportunity for intergenerational connections.

The New York Times

Studies show that nuclear spatial proximity between TMPRSS2 and ERG is a determining factor of fusion frequency57.

Nature

The nanoscale proximity between receptors in oligomers translates into a local surface density of ~5000 receptors/μm2.

Nature

There is a close competitive proximity between the products that the two companies sell, and there is also a close competitive proximity between the domain name "greenproducts.com" and the trademark "Green Products".

Harvard University

A clear genetic structuration was observed, with genetic proximity between the desert breeds.

Small Ruminant Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts, ensure the context clearly defines what kind of "proximity" you mean (e.g., conceptual, temporal, or logical).

Common error

Avoid using "proximity between" when describing relationships that are purely correlational or associational without any element of nearness or direct interaction. Use "correlation between" or "association between" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proximity between" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun to indicate a relationship of nearness or closeness, either physical or conceptual. Ludwig examples show its usage across different domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

27%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "proximity between" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe the nearness or closeness of two or more entities, whether physically or conceptually. As Ludwig highlights, it is frequently used in scientific, news, and academic contexts to indicate relationships influenced by spatial, temporal, or abstract closeness. Alternatives like "closeness between" or "relationship between" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. While the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, ensure the context clearly defines the type of proximity being discussed to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

closeness between

This alternative emphasizes a more intimate or personal connection.

nearness of

Focuses on the physical distance or lack thereof.

adjacency of

More formal and technical, often used in spatial contexts.

relationship between

Shifts the focus to the connection or interaction rather than physical space.

correlation between

Implies a statistical or causal link rather than just spatial nearness.

association between

Similar to correlation but can be less statistically rigorous.

interrelation of

Highlights the mutual dependence or influence.

connection between

A general term for any link or bond.

interface between

Suggests a boundary or point of interaction.

linkage between

Emphasizes a causal or sequential relationship.

FAQs

How can I use "proximity between" in a sentence?

Use "proximity between" to describe the closeness or nearness of two or more things, whether physical or abstract. For example: "The proximity between the buildings made it easy to communicate" or "The proximity between their ideas led to a collaboration".

What's a good alternative to "proximity between"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "closeness between", "nearness of", or "relationship between".

Is it always necessary to specify 'between' after 'proximity'?

While "proximity" can sometimes stand alone, using "proximity between" clarifies that you're discussing the nearness of two or more specific entities, making the relationship explicit.

When should I use "relationship between" instead of "proximity between"?

Use "relationship between" when emphasizing the connection or interaction rather than the physical or conceptual nearness. "Proximity between" is more about spatial or abstract closeness, while "relationship between" focuses on the nature of their connection.