vastly closer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vastly closer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant degree of proximity or similarity between two things. Example: "After the recent negotiations, our two companies are now vastly closer to reaching an agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

And Mr. Gingrich insisted that he was "vastly closer to Reagan" than was Mr. Romney, who he noted has voted for Democrats and had been an independent.

The New York Times

Those vastly closer to the failings at Mid Staffs – the hospital chief executive and the various health-authority managers who contested the later, much more damning evidence of poor care and high death rates – have all, quietly, gone.

The Guardian

CNBC anchor Dennis Kneale says divorce has made him "vastly closer " to his 9-year-old daughter Jing-Jing.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Shadows" at 10pm and "Ghost in the Machine" at 11.25pm, a switch from BBC1 and a fleeting, temporary return to the channel whose ratings it vastly inflated (nudging close to 9 million viewers) and whose fearfully proper demographics it dramatically broadened.

Independent

Amazon's Fire TV Stick, meanwhile, was discounted $15 to bring it to $24.99 on Cyber Monday, vastly undercutting its closest rival, the Roku Streaming Stick with voice remote, which is $49.99.

TechCrunch

And so it is again with the season's series closer, a vastly entertaining return to the ballet world of On Your Toes.

Huffington Post

Grand-Am employs an equivalency formula to keep the racing close between vastly different models.

The New York Times

Portraying emotional extremes is difficult, but to move smoothly between vastly different feelings, Gordy closes her eyes during set changes and pretends she is sheltered in a "safe capsule".

The Guardian

They vastly enriched Hussein Salem, a close friend of Mubarak's.

Vice

Now every day brings new stories of state and local governments from Sacramento to Albany closing or vastly cutting back detox clinics, suicide prevention facilities, psychiatric hospitals and other essential services.

Huffington Post

The researchers' latest study of older mothers in the Boston area, recently published online in The Gerontologist, shows that among siblings, "if you live closer, you're vastly more likely to have caregiving thrust upon you," Dr. Pillemer said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vastly closer" when you want to emphasize a significant increase in proximity, whether in physical distance, agreement, or relationship. It suggests a substantial change, more than just 'closer'.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "vastly closer" may sound overly formal or exaggerated in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "much closer" or "significantly nearer" for everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vastly closer" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun (often implied) to indicate a significantly greater degree of proximity or similarity. Ludwig examples show it used to compare relationships, distances, or states of agreement.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vastly closer" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase in English, as supported by Ludwig. It functions as a comparative adjective phrase used to emphasize a considerable increase in proximity or similarity. Although relatively infrequent, the phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts and is suitable for formal writing when a significant degree of change is to be expressed. While there are various alternatives such as "significantly nearer" or "substantially closer", using "vastly closer" will emphasize just how far the distance or similarity has changed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Significantly nearer

Emphasizes a considerable reduction in distance or difference.

Substantially closer

Highlights a notable increase in closeness or agreement.

Considerably closer

Indicates a meaningful advancement in proximity or connection.

Much nearer

A simpler way of indicating increased proximity.

Drastically closer

Implies a more extreme change in proximity.

Far closer

Highlights an increased degree of closeness.

Noticeably closer

Indicates a perceptible change in proximity.

Materially closer

Emphasizes that the increased proximity is important or significant.

Measurably closer

Suggests the increased proximity can be quantified.

Visibly closer

Highlights that the change in proximity is easy to see or understand.

FAQs

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

You can use "vastly closer" to describe a significant increase in proximity or similarity, as in "After the merger, the company's goals are now "vastly closer" to being achieved".

What can I say instead of "vastly closer"?

Alternatives include "significantly nearer", "substantially closer", or "considerably closer", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "vastly closer" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "vastly closer" is suitable for formal writing when you need to emphasize a considerable increase in proximity or similarity. It conveys a sense of significant change.

What is the difference between "closer" and "vastly closer"?

"Closer" simply indicates a decrease in distance or difference. "Vastly closer" emphasizes that the decrease is substantial and significant, implying a more dramatic shift.