remained close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remained close" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where two or more entities continue to maintain a close relationship or proximity over time. Example: "Despite the challenges they faced, the friends remained close throughout the years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The two remained close.

The Economist

Yet they remained close.

The Guardian

We've remained close.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They divorced in 2000, but remained close.

The New York Times - Arts

Suzie and I remained close by.

The New Yorker

Her parents separated but have remained close.

Independent

But Samia and I have remained close.

The New York Times

They have remained close friends ever since.

The Guardian - Sport

From then on, they had remained close.

The New Yorker

He remained close to Mr. Baker.

The New York Times

The two men had remained close.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remained close" to emphasize the continuation of a relationship despite potential challenges or changes in circumstances. This implies a conscious effort to maintain the connection.

Common error

Avoid using "remained close" when simply describing a lack of physical separation without any implication of a relationship. For example, saying "the building remained close to the river" misses the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remained close" functions as a predicate within a sentence, typically describing the state of a subject (usually people or entities) in maintaining a relationship or proximity. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "remained close" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys the idea of a sustained relationship or proximity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and versatile, suitable for various contexts, but most commonly found in news and media. When using "remained close", ensure it accurately reflects a continuing connection, and consider alternatives like "stayed connected" or "kept in touch" for slightly different nuances. Remember that "remained close" is about persistence; it's about bonds that endure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stayed connected

Focuses on maintaining a link or communication, possibly less intense than "remained close".

kept in touch

Emphasizes maintaining communication, often implying a physical distance.

maintained contact

Similar to "kept in touch", but slightly more formal.

stayed near

Focuses on physical proximity rather than emotional connection.

remained allied

Highlights continued support and cooperation.

remained intimate

Emphasizes a deep, personal connection.

persisted in closeness

Stresses the endurance and effort involved in maintaining the relationship.

stood by each other

Highlights mutual support during difficult times.

were inseparable

Suggests an extremely close and constant companionship.

were like family

Indicates a deep bond and level of care comparable to familial relationships.

FAQs

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

Use "remained close" to describe the continuation of a relationship or connection between people or things. For example, "Despite the distance, they remained close friends."

What are some alternatives to "remained close"?

You can use alternatives like "stayed connected", "kept in touch", or "maintained contact" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "remained closely" instead of "remained close"?

While "closely" can modify other verbs, "remained close" is the more common and natural phrasing when describing relationships. "Closely" typically modifies actions, while "close" describes a state of being.

What's the difference between "remained close" and "stayed close"?

"Remained close" implies a continuation of an existing closeness, while "stayed close" can suggest either maintaining an existing closeness or intentionally becoming closer and maintaining that state. They are often interchangeable, but "remained" emphasizes persistence.