the close ones

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the close ones" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to people or things that are near or intimate, often in the context of relationships or proximity. Example: "When it comes to sharing my secrets, I only trust the close ones in my life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

My girls always have to play their best tennis for us to win the close ones". Nitros Coach Bob Davidson is also short on experience this year, but he's hopeful his team will improve as the season goes on and move up in league.

Los Angeles Times

"Especially when the game is on the line, we've been able to win the close ones".

The New York Times - Sports

Call the close ones in.

The New York Times

They fell this way this year, and the close ones we won last year.

The New York Times - Sports

To win the close ones, you need poise when it counts.

The Guardian - Sport

But as Mr. Cardenas told Florida Republicans who gathered just before the ceremony, the close ones are all the sweeter.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

When incidents arise, the closest ones can be quickly dispatched.

The New York Times

It is so simple to be mapped out, all the closest ones are actually orange.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Website FindYourCreditUnion will locate the closest ones to your home or workplace, writes Patrick Collinson.

The Guardian - Money

The closest ones are probably BZ-TT/LTG.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

The estimated endmembers are associated with the closest ones contained in the USGS library in the SAD sense.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the close ones" to emphasize the importance of intimacy or proximity in a particular situation. For example, when discussing personal matters, specify that you confide only in "the close ones".

Common error

Avoid using "the close ones" in formal or technical contexts where a more precise term might be more appropriate. In such cases, consider using more formal alternatives like "the nearest entities" or "the proximate individuals".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the close ones" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and examples show it referring to people or things that are intimately connected or physically near.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the close ones" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as validated by Ludwig. It functions as a noun phrase, typically referring to individuals or things that are either emotionally intimate or physically near. While mainly found in News & Media, Science and Academia contexts, it maintains a neutral register. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage. When writing, remember to use "the close ones" to emphasize intimacy or proximity and to avoid using it in strictly formal or technical contexts where greater precision is needed. For similar meanings, consider using phrases such as "the near ones" or "the intimate ones".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the near ones

Focuses on physical or metaphorical proximity.

the intimate ones

Emphasizes emotional closeness and familiarity.

the nearest ones

Highlights physical closeness above all else.

the tight-knit ones

Describes a group with strong bonds and connections.

the familiar ones

Indicates a sense of recognition and comfort.

the inner circle

Implies exclusivity and privilege within a group.

the trusted ones

Highlights reliability and confidence in someone.

the adjacent ones

Stresses immediate physical nearness.

the neighboring ones

Refers to items or people sharing a boundary or space.

the ones nearby

General term for things or people in close proximity.

FAQs

How can I use "the close ones" in a sentence?

You can use "the close ones" to refer to people or things that are near or intimate. For example, "I only share my deepest secrets with "the close ones" in my life".

What are some alternatives to "the close ones"?

Alternatives include "the near ones", "the intimate ones", or "the nearest ones", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "the close ones" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "the close ones" is generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise or sophisticated alternatives.

What is the difference between "the close ones" and "the closest ones"?

"The close ones" typically refers to emotional or social proximity, while "the closest ones" usually refers to physical proximity or nearness.