we were really close

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "We were really close" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that some person or persons were in very close proximity to one another, either literally or figuratively. For example, "We were really close friends until the misunderstanding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Personal Relationships

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

"We were really close, weren't we?

The New Yorker

Bettina was a second mother to me, we were really close.

The Guardian

We were really close – he was almost like a boyfriend, although obviously not".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We were really close, after two and a half years of exceptional results," she said.

The Guardian

We were really close before, but eventually Mum and Dad divorced.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We were really close and then stuff with the band got really weird and we weren't seeing eye to eye.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

We're really close.

Independent

"We're really close anyway.

The Guardian

"We're really close," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're really close, and still in contact.

Independent

We're really close, including my two stepchildren, Jenni Flynn and Kalen Keach.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing relationships, use "we were really close" to convey a sense of deep connection and understanding, indicating a history of shared experiences and mutual support.

Common error

While the phrase "we were really close" is acceptable in many situations, it may be too informal for academic papers or business reports. Consider using more formal alternatives like "we had a strong professional relationship" or "we collaborated effectively" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were really close" functions as a descriptive statement, typically used to describe the state of a relationship in the past. It provides context about the level of intimacy or proximity between individuals or the nearness to achieving something, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Sports

17%

Personal Relationships

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

8%

Academia

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were really close" is a common and versatile phrase used to express a deep connection or near achievement. Ludwig's analysis indicates it is grammatically correct and frequently used in News & Media and Sports contexts. While appropriate in many situations, it's important to consider the context and audience, as it might be too informal for academic or professional settings. When describing relationships in formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "we collaborated effectively" or "we maintained a strong relationship".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were extremely close

Intensifies the degree of closeness in a relationship, adding emphasis.

we had a tight relationship

Implies a strong and secure connection, often built on trust and mutual support.

we were intimately connected

Suggests a deep and profound connection, often emotionally or spiritually.

we shared a strong bond

Focuses on the connection and emotional link rather than physical closeness.

we were very near

Emphasizes physical or metaphorical proximity but is more literal than the original phrase.

we were practically inseparable

Highlights the constant companionship and strong bond between individuals.

our bond was unbreakable

Emphasizes the resilience and strength of the connection.

we were on the verge of success

Highlights the imminent possibility of achieving a desired outcome.

we nearly achieved it

Focuses solely on the nearness of achieving a specific goal or target.

we almost succeeded

Shifts the meaning to nearing a goal or achievement, not a relationship.

FAQs

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

You can use "we were really close" to describe a past relationship or a near miss. For example, "We were really close friends in high school" or "We were really close to winning the game".

What can I say instead of "we were really close" when describing a relationship?

Alternatives to describe a close relationship include "we were very close", "we had a strong bond", or "we were inseparable" depending on the context.

What other meanings does "we were really close" have?

Besides describing a relationship, "we were really close" can also mean that you almost achieved something. For example, "We were really close to reaching our sales target".

Is it okay to use "we were really close" in professional emails?

It depends on your relationship with the recipient. If you have a casual rapport, it's fine. Otherwise, a more formal phrase like "we collaborated effectively" might be more appropriate.