sometimes so close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sometimes so close" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe situations where two things or people are nearly in proximity or agreement at certain times. Example: "In our discussions, we find that our ideas are sometimes so close that it's hard to choose between them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Soldiers and rebels, sometimes so close they could shout to each other, shot wildly at the slightest sound.

The New York Times - Magazine

The tracks run right next to the river, sometimes so close you think you can reach down and touch the glossy water.

The New York Times

The marri and jarrah trees are sometimes so close I could touch them; at other times we are out in the open.

The Guardian - Travel

The accompanying musical conceit is barefaced genius: a live marching band performs backstage, sometimes barely within earshot, sometimes so close we expect them to burst through the wings.

The Guardian

As the sun shifted in the sky, she felt strength leaking from her. Brooding and silent, the man walked behind her, sometimes so close that he nearly trod on her heels.

The New Yorker

The singing and moaning sounds of Dorothy Lawson's cello were sometimes so close to the voice of of one female speaker that she became in effect her body double.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

They are sometimes so very close that as an audience member you feel as if you can reach across and touch their costumes; you feel the emotions, feel the passion.

The New York Times - Arts

But it sometimes comes so close to pulling off the illusion that it invites you to look for the imperfections.

The New York Times

Sometimes getting so close to the rail that he had to raise his arms for balance, he still won the race in the superb time of 1 52.

The New York Times - Sports

We're supposed to pretend that we're like everyone else, just folks, except that we get into theaters free and the members of the public have to stand in line, pay through the nose and then sometimes sit so close to the screen, and so far to one side, that the actors look like walking sticks.

The New York Times

If the young one was still a baby, she would push him away, but if he was bigger, she would let him play near the boat, and sometimes come so close herself that we could have touched her head with our hands.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sometimes so close" to create a sense of near misses or almost achieved connections. This phrase is useful in narratives to build tension or highlight the potential for future interactions.

Common error

Avoid using "sometimes so close" in formal or technical writing where more precise language is expected. Instead, opt for phrases like "intermittently in close proximity" or other context-appropriate alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sometimes so close" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier, indicating the degree and frequency of proximity or nearness. As Ludwig AI indicates, it correctly modifies a situation where things or people are nearly in proximity at certain times.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sometimes so close" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to describe situations where proximity or nearness occurs intermittently. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in news and media, and carries a neutral register. While it can effectively create anticipation or highlight near misses, remember to consider alternative phrasings in formal contexts where more precise language might be required. When aiming for formal language, remember to leverage more direct and precise alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at times quite close

Employs "at times" instead of "sometimes" and "quite close" instead of "so close", altering the tone slightly.

occasionally very near

Replaces "sometimes" with "occasionally" and "close" with "very near", softening the original statement.

intermittently in close proximity

Formalizes the expression, substituting "intermittently" and "in close proximity" for a more technical feel.

nearly touching at intervals

Focuses on physical proximity, using "nearly touching" for emphasis and "at intervals" for frequency.

on occasion intimately near

Focuses on a more intimate connection using the words "on occasion" instead of "sometimes" and "intimately near" instead of "so close".

periodically almost connected

Highlights a sense of connection, using "periodically" and "almost connected" to suggest an on-and-off relationship.

once in a while almost adjacent

Modifies the frequency and the closeness, using "once in a while" and "almost adjacent" to reduce the original sense of nearness.

now and then intimately proximate

Adds a layer of intimacy, using "now and then" and "intimately proximate" for a more evocative description.

sporadically within striking distance

Implies potential action, replacing "so close" with "within striking distance" and "sometimes" with "sporadically".

infrequently a hair's breadth away

Emphasizes the narrow margin, using "a hair's breadth away" to mean nearly touching and "infrequently" to mean rarely.

FAQs

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

You can use "sometimes so close" to describe physical proximity, emotional connection, or the achievement of a goal. For example, "The opposing armies were "sometimes so close" they could hear each other's commands".

What are some alternatives to "sometimes so close"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "occasionally very near", "at times quite close", or "nearly touching at intervals".

Is "sometimes so close" grammatically correct?

Yes, "sometimes so close" is grammatically correct. It functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to indicate frequency and degree.

What's the difference between "sometimes so close" and "always so close"?

"Sometimes so close" implies that the proximity or nearness is not constant, while "always so close" suggests a continuous state of being near. The choice depends on the specific context you want to convey.