the nearest possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the nearest possible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the closest or most immediate option available in a given context. Example: "We need to find the nearest possible location for the meeting to accommodate everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Short of death and certain fleeting romantic encounters, being welcomed back is the nearest possible approximation of returning to the womb.

The New York Times - Travel

The Bolshoi has staged what it hopes is the nearest possible recreation of the 1899 version of the ballet extravaganza Le Corsaire.

The Guardian

The lowest energy level for an individual atom occurs when its electrons are all in the nearest possible orbits to its nucleus (see ).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Asked how she was able to muster such animated cries, she replied, "I made myself believe that the nearest possible hope of rescue was at least a mile away".

The New York Times

As the message moves to the nearest possible node, the transmitter node's energy decreases.

Complex Adaptive Systems Modeling

The receiver then quantizes the channel gain to the nearest possible value.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

So, we must require that the grandmother use the same method in both the actual and the near possible worlds, for, otherwise, condition (4) would exclude some clear cases of knowledge.

SEP

Suppose S truly believes that p. Then the uniquely nearest possible world in which S believes p is the actual world; by stipulation, p is true in that world.

SEP

The Princess of Wales, now firmly fixed in the Japanese royal pantheon as the nearest thing possible to a non-Japanese deity, managed to upstage the other 500 foreign guests.

The Guardian

Only now, some years after Donald Cammell's suicide in 1996, have Mazzola and Kong been able to re-build the nearest approximation possible of the original work, using the late director's notes.

The Guardian - Film

He also proposed a special meeting "at the nearest time possible" to promote Palestinian reconciliation between the Fatah and Hamas political factions and the formation of a new Palestinian transitional government.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider whether 'closest' or 'most immediate' might be clearer or more appropriate depending on the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "the nearest possible" when the basis of 'nearness' is unclear. For example, instead of saying "find the nearest possible solution", specify "find the solution that requires the least amount of effort".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the nearest possible" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, specifying that something is the closest or most immediate option. Ludwig examples confirm this usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

27%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "the nearest possible" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, typically functioning as an adjectival phrase. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is suitable across various contexts. Usage analysis reveals its frequent appearance in scientific, news, and wiki contexts, suggesting a neutral register. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure clarity in defining 'nearest' relative to the specific context. The available examples helped to build a complete overview of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the geographically closest

Specifically emphasizes geographical proximity.

the closest available

Highlights availability as a key factor.

the closest feasible

Focuses on feasibility alongside proximity.

the most convenient nearby

Highlights convenience in addition to proximity.

the most proximate option

Uses more formal vocabulary to convey nearness.

the most readily accessible

Emphasizes ease of access.

the shortest distance away

Focuses on the distance aspect.

the immediately adjacent

Implies direct and immediate adjacency.

the most immediate prospect

Implies a forward-looking or prospective option.

the next best alternative

Suggests settling for something close when the ideal isn't available.

FAQs

How can I use "the nearest possible" in a sentence?

You can use "the nearest possible" to indicate the closest option available in a specific context, like, "We need to find "the nearest possible hospital"".

What are some alternatives to "the nearest possible"?

Alternatives include "the closest available", "the most proximate option", or "the most readily accessible", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "the nearest possible" and "the closest possible"?

While "nearest" and "closest" are often interchangeable, "nearest" can sometimes imply a more immediate or direct proximity, while "closest" might refer to a shorter distance. The phrases are highly similar in meaning, but it is situational.

When is it best to use "the nearest possible" instead of simpler terms like 'nearest'?

"The nearest possible" is useful when emphasizing that you are seeking the absolute closest option within the constraints or possibilities of the situation. Otherwise the simpler term "nearest" is usually enough.