very close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very close" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that two things are very nearly the same, or that there is not much room or distance between two things. For example, you could say, "We were very close to winning the game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Very close.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We came very close.

The New York Times

We were very close.

The New York Times - Sports

"We got very close".

The New York Times

They are very close.

The New York Times - Sports

It was very close.

The New York Times

"This was very close.

The Economist

We became very close.

The New York Times

"It's very close knit.

The New York Times

It's very close.

The New York Times

We're all very close".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a near miss or a close call, using "very close" can effectively convey the tension and potential consequences of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "very close" when you actually mean "intimate" or "confidential". "Very close" often refers to physical proximity or near-equality, not necessarily emotional closeness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very close" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase modifying another adverb or adjective. Ludwig AI confirms its typical use in indicating proximity, either physical or metaphorical. It amplifies the degree of closeness, suggesting a high level of nearness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very close" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to emphasize the degree of proximity or similarity. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically sound and commonly employed across numerous contexts. Its meaning can range from physical nearness to a nearly identical state, but its register remains largely neutral. The phrase sees frequent use in news and media, professional settings, reflecting its broad applicability in conveying a sense of nearness or tight margins.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

right next to

Specifies that something is immediately adjacent.

extremely near

Emphasizes proximity but with a stronger degree.

almost touching

Highlights the lack of space between two objects.

nearly identical

Focuses on similarity rather than physical proximity.

in close proximity

More formal way to describe physical closeness.

on the verge of

Indicates that something is about to happen imminently.

intimate

Implies a close emotional or personal relationship.

just around the corner

Idiomatic expression indicating something is imminent or nearby.

thick as thieves

Idiomatic expression describing a very strong friendship.

in the vicinity

Describes general nearness to a location.

FAQs

How can I use "very close" in a sentence?

You can use "very close" to describe physical proximity, such as, "The restaurant is "very close" to the hotel". It can also describe a narrow margin or similarity, like "The election results were "very close"".

What are some alternatives to "very close"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "extremely near", "nearly identical", or "in close proximity".

Is it better to say "very close" or "extremely close"?

Both "very close" and "extremely close" are grammatically correct. "Extremely close" emphasizes the degree of closeness more strongly than "very close", but they are often interchangeable.

Can "very close" describe relationships between people?

Yes, "very close" can describe relationships, indicating a strong bond or friendship. For example, "They are "very close" friends".