we moved close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we moved close" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical relocation to a nearby location or to indicate a closer emotional or relational proximity. Example: "After years of living in the city, we moved close to our family in the suburbs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In the afternoon, we moved close to the shore and, using clams for bait, hauled in dozens of stripers that had been trailing a clam dredger as it repeatedly plowed a half-mile stretch parallel to Rockaway Beach.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

We moved closer to the painting.

The New Yorker

As we moved closer, we saw Kony sitting alone.

The Guardian

As we moved closer we saw a capsized red dinghy with six men hanging on.

The New York Times - Travel

But then we moved closer and saw glass scattered everywhere like pebbles.

The New York Times - Magazine

It came back again as we moved closer to the end.

The New York Times - Sports

As we moved closer, one of them yelled, "They're white!

The New Yorker

Then, as we moved closer to midnight, a bad fairy came to the ball.

The Guardian - Opinion

I felt myself tremble but we moved closer to him, no thoughts in our heads as to the consequences.

The Guardian - Opinion

As we moved closer to polling day, friends have planned referendum parties, playlists – we can't go on together with suspicious minds – and fry ups the morning after.

Independent

In the half century since Kate Millett's landmark work was published, have we moved closer to gender equality, or further away?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we moved close" to describe a deliberate action of reducing physical distance. It implies a conscious effort to get nearer to something or someone.

Common error

Avoid using "closely" when "close" is intended as an adjective describing the resulting proximity. "We moved close" refers to physical nearness, while "We moved closely" would incorrectly suggest that the act of moving was done in a careful or attentive manner.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we moved close" functions as a statement describing a change in physical position, indicating a reduction in distance between the subject and another entity or location. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we moved close" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe a reduction in physical distance. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, its usage is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. It is important to distinguish between the adjective "close" and the adverb "closely" to avoid grammatical errors. Alternative phrases such as "we approached closely" or "we got closer" can be used to express similar ideas. The source quality for this phrase is high, and its function is generally to convey information about a change in position.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we got closer

A more casual way to express becoming nearer.

we approached closely

Focuses on the act of approaching something or someone with minimal distance.

we drew nearer

Emphasizes a gradual closing of distance.

we neared

A more formal way to express getting close.

we advanced closer

Focuses on the movement aspect while emphasizing the reduction of distance.

we edged closer

Suggests a cautious or subtle approach.

we crept closer

Implies moving stealthily to reduce the distance.

we relocated nearby

Specifies a change of residence to a location in proximity.

we settled close by

Describes the act of establishing a residence in a location that is not far away.

we moved in proximity

A more formal way of saying we moved to a nearby location.

FAQs

What does "we moved close" mean?

The phrase "we moved close" indicates that a group of people or entities has physically reduced the distance between themselves and another object or location. It suggests a change in position to be nearer.

What can I say instead of "we moved close"?

You can use alternatives like "we approached closely", "we drew nearer", or "we got closer" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "we moved closely" instead of "we moved close"?

No, "we moved closely" is not the same as "we moved close". "We moved close" means reducing physical distance, while "we moved closely" is grammatically incorrect. If you meant to imply moving in a cautious manner, consider rewording to "we moved carefully".

How to use "we moved close" in a sentence?

You can use "we moved close" to describe a situation where the distance between you and something else has decreased. For example: "In the afternoon, we moved close to the shore and, using clams for bait, hauled in dozens of stripers".