quite close

USAGE SUMMARY

'quite close' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a physical proximity, or the level of similarity between two things. For example, "The two cities are quite close in proximity to each other, only a few hours away by car."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We're quite close.

Independent

"It came quite close.

The Guardian

We're still quite close.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They stood in the entry, quite close.

The New Yorker

And we are quite close to that.

The Guardian

It's quite close to human trafficking".

The New York Times

People become quite close with one another".

Independent

Neighboring houses are quite close.

The New York Times

They became quite close friends.

The Guardian

Celebrities feel quite close, don't they?

The Guardian - Music

I was quite close to that.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite close" to express a degree of proximity or similarity that is noticeable but not absolute. It's suitable when a more definitive term like 'very close' would be an overstatement.

Common error

Avoid using "quite close" when describing something that is virtually identical or right next to something else. Opt for stronger terms like 'identical' or 'adjacent' to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite close" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a degree of proximity, similarity, or progress towards completion. This is evident in the examples provided by Ludwig, where it describes physical distances, conceptual similarities, and states of completion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite close" is a versatile adjectival phrase used to indicate a moderate degree of proximity, similarity, or progress. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. While frequently appearing in news and media, as well as scientific writing, it's essential to use "quite close" judiciously, avoiding overstatements where more precise language would be appropriate. Understanding its nuanced meaning and context-dependent alternatives will enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fairly close

Emphasizes a moderate degree of closeness, slightly less intense than "quite close".

pretty close

Suggests a casual and approximate level of closeness, common in informal contexts.

very near

Focuses on physical proximity, highlighting the lack of significant distance.

nearly complete

Indicates a state of being almost finished, applicable when referring to progress or tasks.

almost identical

Highlights the high degree of similarity, verging on being indistinguishable.

in close proximity

Formally denotes physical closeness, suitable for technical or descriptive contexts.

on the verge of

Emphasizes being at the brink of an event or condition, implying imminent occurrence.

approaching completion

Highlights the ongoing progress towards finishing a task or project.

drawing near

Poetically suggests the approach of something, often used in literary or descriptive contexts.

within reach

Indicates accessibility or achievability, highlighting the ease of attaining something.

FAQs

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

You can use "quite close" to describe physical proximity, such as "The two buildings are "quite close" to each other". It can also express similarity, for example, "Their opinions are "quite close" on this matter".

What are some alternatives to "quite close"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "fairly close", "pretty close", or "nearly complete". The best choice depends on whether you're describing physical proximity, similarity, or progress.

Is "quite close" a formal or informal expression?

"Quite close" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, you might prefer a slightly more precise term like "in close proximity" or "nearly identical".

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

"Quite close" suggests a noticeable but not extreme degree of proximity or similarity. "Very close" implies a higher degree of closeness or similarity. Use "quite close" when "very close" would be an exaggeration.