we were close

USAGE SUMMARY

"we were close" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a situation where two people have a strong bond or connection. For example: "The relationship between the two sisters was so strong; they were close."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We were close, yah".

The New Yorker

We were close friends.

The New Yorker

So we were close.

The New Yorker

We were close once.

The New York Times - Magazine

We were close f riends.

Princeton University

"We were close," he said.

The Washington Post

She knew we were close.

The New York Times

Especially when we were close".

The Guardian - Sport

"Obviously we were close," he said.

The New York Times

They just knew we were close friends".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Packed in tight, we were close-knit and clique-ish.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were close" to effectively convey a past relationship or situation where people or objectives were near success or intimacy. Ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to personal relationships, achievements, or physical proximity.

Common error

Avoid using "we were close" when you mean "we are close". The past tense implies the relationship or proximity no longer exists. Using it incorrectly can confuse your audience about the current status.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were close" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating a past state of proximity, intimacy, or near achievement. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were close" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to describe a past state of nearness, whether in relationships, achievements, or physical proximity. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Academia. When using this phrase, ensure that the past tense is appropriate and clearly conveys that the state of closeness no longer exists. Be mindful of the context to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives such as "we used to be close" or "we almost made it" may be more suitable depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we used to be close

This alternative emphasizes the change in the relationship, indicating a past state of closeness that no longer exists.

we were once close

Similar to "we used to be close", this phrase highlights a previous state of intimacy, emphasizing a contrast with the present.

we were intimately connected

This alternative strengthens the sense of connection, suggesting a deep and personal relationship.

we shared a bond

This phrase emphasizes a strong connection, focusing on the emotional tie between individuals.

we had a connection

Similar to "we shared a bond", but less intense, suggesting a mutual understanding or rapport.

we almost made it

This alternative focuses on nearing a goal or achievement, shifting the context from interpersonal relationships to accomplishments.

we nearly succeeded

Similar to "we almost made it", this highlights near success, suitable when discussing achievements rather than relationships.

we had a strong rapport

This alternative emphasizes mutual understanding and harmonious relationship, focusing on professional or social interactions.

we were on the verge

This phrase highlights being on the brink of a significant event or achievement, moving away from interpersonal dynamics.

we were just about there

This alternative emphasizes nearness to a specific location or goal, altering the context slightly from relational closeness.

FAQs

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

Use "we were close" to describe a past relationship or situation, such as "We were close friends in college" or "We were close to reaching our fundraising goal".

What's the difference between "we were close" and "we are close"?

"We were close" indicates a past relationship or state, while "we are close" describes a current one. The past tense suggests that the closeness no longer exists.

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

You can use alternatives like "we used to be close", "we were once close", or "we almost made it" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "we were close"?

Yes, "we were close" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe a past relationship or a near miss in achieving something.