so close that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "so close that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two things are nearly touching or very near to each other in a figurative or literal sense. Example: "The two friends were so close that they could finish each other's sentences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I bent so close that I couldn't see her anymore.

The New Yorker

He was so close that she could have touched him.

The New Yorker

The perspective was so close that it was distorted.

The Washington Post

Maybe it's so close that they didn't see it".

The New York Times

"Claudio was so close that year, in 2004".

The Guardian - Sport

The two are so close that Loroupe calls Roberts Momm".

The New York Times - Sports

Sam isn't seizure-free yet, but he's so close that you might think he was.

The New York Times - Magazine

And Missouri was so close that it remains the battleground state it has been all along.

The Economist

The play was so close that Hoosiers fans roared with approval when they saw the replay.

The New York Times - Sports

Soon, the enemy soldiers were so close that Morgan could see the barrels of their guns.

The New Yorker

He and Mr. Franken were so close that Mr. Franken named his daughter Thomasin Davis Franken.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "so close that", ensure the 'that' clause clearly explains the consequence or result of the proximity. For example, "The finish line was "so close that" he could almost taste victory."

Common error

Avoid using "so close that" without a clear, logical consequence in the 'that' clause. For instance, avoid sentences like "The building was "so close that"." Always complete the thought with what resulted from this closeness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so close that" functions as an adverbial conjunction, linking a description of proximity or similarity to its resulting consequence. Ludwig AI confirms its consistent usage, as demonstrated in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "so close that" functions as an effective way to illustrate a direct cause-and-effect relationship, primarily based on proximity or similarity. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse sources, including news, academic, and general media. While the phrase enjoys broad acceptance, remembering to use it with a clear consequence is key. Alternatives such as "nearly to the point that" or "sufficiently near that" can provide variety, though they may slightly alter the tone. Overall, "so close that" remains a versatile and valuable tool in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly to the point that

Replaces "so close" with "nearly to the point", emphasizing the near achievement of a threshold or condition.

almost to such a degree that

Emphasizes the degree of closeness, altering the structure for a more formal tone.

sufficiently near that

Replaces "so close" with a more formal phrasing, indicating adequate proximity.

in such proximity that

Highlights the physical closeness with a formal and somewhat technical tone.

so intimate that

Emphasizes a personal or emotional closeness, changing the context from physical proximity to relationship dynamics.

to the point where it almost

Indicates that something is approaching a critical threshold or boundary.

in immediate vicinity that

Focuses on the immediate surrounding area, changing the emphasis slightly from the degree of closeness.

in touching distance that

Highlights the possibility of physical contact, altering the image to tactile proximity.

within a hair's breadth of

Uses an idiom to convey being very near to a particular outcome or event.

practically on top of

Changes the metaphor to express closeness, indicating one thing is almost covering another.

FAQs

How can I use "so close that" in a sentence?

Use "so close that" to describe a situation where something is near or similar enough to cause a specific result or consequence. For example, "The deadline was "so close that" they had to work through the night."

What can I say instead of "so close that"?

You can use alternatives like "nearly to the point that", "almost to such a degree that", or "sufficiently near that" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "so close that"?

Yes, "so close that" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English to indicate a high degree of proximity leading to a particular outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is appropriate.

What's the difference between "so close that" and "very near that"?

"So close that" implies a direct consequence resulting from the proximity, whereas "very near that" simply indicates physical closeness. "So close that" suggests a cause-and-effect relationship that "very near that" does not.