really close to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "really close to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe physical proximity or a close relationship between people, ideas, or concepts. Example: "The store is really close to my house, making it convenient for me to shop there."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was really close to being selected.

Independent

"We feel really close to nature".

Independent

"She gets really close to you.

The New York Times

That's really close to our hearts".

The New York Times - Sports

And that feels really close to dance".

The Guardian

And it's really close to home".

The New York Times

l got really close to that reality.

The New York Times

I could become really close to her".

The New York Times

"She's really close to my daughter".

The New York Times

"I think he was really close to going there.

The New York Times

The children, Paul's family especially, I'm really close to them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "really close to" to convey a sense of strong connection, physical nearness, or near completion. For instance, "They are "really close to" finishing the project" indicates progress, while "She is "really close to" her family" suggests a strong bond.

Common error

Avoid using "really close to" excessively, as it can weaken your writing. Consider stronger alternatives like "intimate", "proximate", or "adjacent" for a more impactful message. Be mindful about using the same intensifier over and over again; diversify to keep the text interesting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "really close to" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate proximity, connection, or near attainment. This is supported by Ludwig examples showcasing its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

15%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "really close to" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase that indicates proximity, connection, or near completion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance across diverse contexts, especially in News & Media. While suitable for neutral and informal registers, more precise alternatives might be preferred in formal writing. Avoid overuse to maintain writing impact. The phrase is a valuable tool for expressing nuanced degrees of closeness in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very near to

Emphasizes physical proximity or closeness in a literal sense.

quite close to

Similar to "very near to", but might imply a slightly lesser degree of proximity.

in close proximity to

More formal, emphasizing the physical nearness of two things.

intimately connected to

Focuses on a deep, personal connection or relationship.

nearly identical to

Highlights similarity rather than physical closeness.

on the verge of

Indicates being very near to achieving or experiencing something.

almost touching

Emphasizes physical closeness, suggesting minimal distance.

strongly related to

Focuses on the strong connection or association between two things.

tightly linked to

Implies a close and inseparable connection.

just about to

Indicates being on the cusp of an action or event.

FAQs

What does "really close to" mean?

The phrase "really close to" typically means physically near, emotionally connected, or on the verge of something. The meaning varies based on context.

How can I use "really close to" in a sentence?

You can use "really close to" to describe physical proximity (e.g., "The restaurant is "really close to" the hotel"), emotional connection (e.g., "They are "really close to" each other"), or an impending event (e.g., "We are "really close to" the deadline").

What can I say instead of "really close to"?

You can use alternatives like "very near to", "nearly identical to", or "intimately connected to" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "really close to"?

It's appropriate to use "really close to" in informal and neutral contexts when describing proximity, relationships, or states of being near completion. In formal writing, consider using more precise or sophisticated alternatives.