puts them close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "puts them close" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where something is positioned near or in proximity to something else. Example: "The new policy puts them close to achieving their goals faster than before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Their new address puts them close to Kufürstendamm, the main shopping mile in the western part of the city, and as attractive an area for foreigners as east Berlin's blossoming Mitte district.

The New York Times

That puts them close to the bases that were supposed to protect New York against a Soviet attack, for while the two colonels were on the front lines in Europe and Central Asia, more than 60 missiles stood at the ready in the Rockaways, next to a beach where people splashed in the ocean and worked on their tans.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, the dimensions and time scales of the photosynthetic energy transfer processes puts them close to the quantum/classical border, bringing them into the range of measurable quantum effects.

Trends in Plant Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Sometimes that puts them closer to India than to home.

The New York Times

The new location puts them closer to more of their season-ticket holders, most of whom come from the city's rich northern suburbs.Here's how it will work: the Braves will buy 60 acres of land, and give 15 of them to the Cobb County stadium authority.

The Economist

For one, it puts them closer to attaining the holy grail of data  — how users spend their money.

TechCrunch

South Africa pulled one back through Jali but Niger held on for a win that puts them closer to a coveted appearance at the 2012 finals.

BBC

The cat platelets activated with batroxobin show a ratio between minor and major axes of 0.60 and a ratio between major and minor axes of 1.86, which puts them closer to the elliptical shape.

BMC Veterinary Research

I.B.M. researchers will present experimental results that they say put them close to solving this problem.

The New York Times

They hire the strongest climbers they can, capable of keeping an extremely high pace, and put them close to the race leader.

The Guardian - Sport

That put them close to their families in Connecticut but not too far from Manhattan, where her husband works for the city government.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "puts them close" when you want to emphasize that a specific action or situation is reducing the distance between someone or something and a particular goal, location, or state. Make sure the context clearly defines the relationship between the subject and what they are getting closer to.

Common error

Avoid using "puts them close" if the action only results in a marginal or insignificant change in proximity. The phrase implies a noticeable reduction in distance or significant progress towards a goal. Using it for minor changes can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "puts them close" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of nearness or proximity. It describes an action or situation that results in reducing the distance, whether physical or metaphorical, between the subject and a particular target or goal. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "puts them close" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes an action or situation that brings someone or something nearer to a particular goal, location, or state. Ludwig AI validates its usability, particularly in News & Media and Science contexts. While not overly formal, its neutral register allows for broad application. Consider related phrases such as "brings them nearer" or "draws them closer" for alternative phrasing. When using "puts them close", ensure the degree of proximity change is significant and that the context clearly defines the relationship between the subject and what they are getting closer to.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brings them nearer

Replaces "puts" with "brings" and "close" with "nearer", emphasizing the action of drawing closer.

draws them closer

Emphasizes the drawing or pulling action that reduces distance.

moves them nearer

Focuses on the movement aspect of reducing distance.

positions them near

Highlights the resulting location after the action.

places them nearby

Similar to 'positions them near', with a slightly less formal tone.

locates them close by

Indicates a physical location that is not distant.

advances them closer

Implies progress and nearness to a target or objective.

propels them nearer

Suggests a forceful movement that decreases distance.

edges them closer

Implies a slow and gradual movement reducing distance.

pushes them closer

Suggests an external force is responsible for reducing distance.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "puts them close" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "brings them nearer", "positions them near", or "advances them closer". The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "puts them close" appropriate for scientific writing?

While "puts them close" is grammatically correct, it may be more suitable for general or news contexts. In scientific writing, consider more precise and technical alternatives that clearly specify the type and degree of proximity, such as "brings them into close proximity" or "positions them in close range".

What's the difference between "puts them close" and "brings them closer"?

While similar, "brings them closer" emphasizes the act of reducing distance, whereas "puts them close" focuses on the resulting state of nearness. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the action or the outcome.

How to use "puts them close" in a sentence about achieving a goal?

You can say, "The new strategy "puts them close" to achieving their sales target this quarter". It emphasizes that the strategy has significantly reduced the distance to the goal.