still closer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "still closer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is approaching a point of proximity or intimacy, often in a comparative context. Example: "As we continued our journey, we found ourselves still closer to the breathtaking view of the mountains."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But our way is still closer to the American ideal.

The New York Times

An online, part-animated "motion comic" soundtracked by the songs connects the media still closer.

Independent

Still closer is Wilson, whose right arm rests on Keller's hip.

The New York Times - Sports

Last month, the UN's chief investigator, Detlev Mehlis, pressed his inquiries still closer.

The Economist

Certainly the right is still closer to business, the left to the trade unions.

The Economist

Other caves lie still closer to the base of the steps.

Britannica

And still closer to home, in New Jersey, are several related discussion groups.

The New York Times

And still closer to home are related discussions organized by Westchester groups.

The New York Times

War comes still closer when the Archimedes, briefly turned into a troop ship, is struck by a torpedo.

The New York Times - Books

Philip Roth stepped still closer to death in Everyman (Cape £10, pp192), meditating on the body's inexorable deterioration.

The Guardian - Books

The present design practice of the bubble column reactors is still closer to an art than science because of the complexity of the fluid mechanics.

Chemical Engineering Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "still closer" to emphasize a comparative degree of proximity, either physical or conceptual, relative to a previous state or reference point.

Common error

Avoid using "still closer" when there's no prior reference point for comparison. Ensure it's clear what is becoming closer to what, or the phrase loses its meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "still closer" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier, indicating a comparative degree of proximity or nearness. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase builds upon an existing point of reference, emphasizing a continued approach. It modifies verbs or adjectives to describe how something is nearing or approaching.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "still closer" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to emphasize a comparative degree of proximity, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's generally neutral in tone, making it suitable for a wide range of contexts, with the most frequent being news, scientific writing and encyclopedias. To maximize clarity, ensure there's a clear reference point for the comparison being made. Alternatives like "even closer" or "nearer still" can be used to modulate the emphasis or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even closer

Emphasizes a greater degree of proximity compared to the original point of reference.

much closer

Highlights a significant difference in closeness.

nearer still

Offers a slightly more formal or literary tone to indicate increased proximity.

ever closer

Implies a continuous approach, suggesting ongoing movement towards closeness.

increasingly close

Focuses on the gradual increase in proximity over time or stages.

drawing nearer

Creates a sense of movement and approach, suitable for descriptive contexts.

in closer proximity

Adopts a more formal tone, often used in scientific or technical writing.

coming closer

A general way to express approach, lacking the comparative emphasis of "still closer".

further along

Indicates progress on a path or journey. Differs from 'closer' in meaning

verging on

Suggests an almost complete state, often used in more abstract or figurative contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "still closer" in a sentence?

Use "still closer" to describe something moving or becoming more proximate in relation to something else. For example, "As the deadline approached, the team worked "even harder", bringing the project "still closer" to completion."

What phrases can I use instead of "still closer"?

Alternatives include "even closer", "much closer", or "nearer still", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "still closer"? Isn't "closer" enough?

While "closer" indicates a degree of proximity, "still closer" emphasizes a continued or increasing degree of proximity, suggesting an ongoing process. It adds a layer of emphasis that "closer" alone might not provide.

What's the difference between "still closer" and "closer still"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey essentially the same meaning. "Still closer" is slightly more common in contemporary usage, while "closer still" might be perceived as slightly more formal or literary.