they were close

USAGE SUMMARY

'they were close' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a relationship between two people or things. For example, "John and Mary were close friends since childhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They were close allies.

The Economist

They were close.

The New York Times - Sports

They were close friends.

The Guardian - Sport

They were close, they had warm relations.

The New York Times

"They were close to doing it".

The New York Times

Whatever their relationship, clearly they were close.

The Guardian

They were close, having served together in prison.

The New Yorker

They were close, like two peas in a pod".

The New York Times

"They were close to four hours some nights".

The New Yorker

(They were close contemporaries, born three years apart).

The New Yorker

They were close friends, at one time sharing a house.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were close", ensure the context clearly defines who "they" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. Use specific details to illustrate the nature of their closeness, such as shared activities, emotional support, or common interests.

Common error

Avoid using "they were close" when the relationship is superficial or based solely on professional interactions. Reserve it for situations with genuine emotional connection or deep familiarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were close" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating the nature of a relationship between two or more entities. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable in various contexts. Examples show its use in describing friendships, alliances, and professional relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were close" is a grammatically sound and highly versatile expression used to describe a close relationship or proximity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use, primarily in news and media contexts. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, it's essential to ensure the context clarifies who "they" refers to and the nature of their closeness. Alternatives like "they had a strong bond" or "they were like family" can offer nuanced variations of the same idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they had a strong bond

Focuses on the emotional connection and strength of the relationship.

they were kindred spirits

Highlights a shared understanding and compatibility.

they were like family

Suggests a deep, familial connection beyond just friendship.

they had a close affinity

Emphasizes a natural liking or sympathy for each other.

they were intimate

Emphasizes the depth and personal nature of the relationship.

they were on good terms

Suggests that their relationship was positive and harmonious.

they were inseparable

Indicates that they spent a lot of time together and were rarely apart.

they were very friendly

Highlights the amicable and pleasant nature of their relationship.

they were well-acquainted

Focuses on a knowledge of each other, often developed over time.

they were nearly finished

Shifts the focus from relationships to the completion stage of a task or project.

FAQs

How can I use "they were close" in a sentence?

You can use "they were close" to describe a deep relationship between people. For example, "Despite their different backgrounds, they were close friends for many years."

What can I say instead of "they were close"?

You can use alternatives like "they had a strong bond", "they were intimate", or "they were like family" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "they were close" in formal writing?

Yes, "they were close" is appropriate in formal writing as long as it accurately reflects the nature of the relationship being described.

What's the difference between "they were close" and "they were acquainted"?

"They were close" implies a deeper, more personal relationship, while "they were acquainted" suggests a more casual familiarity.