were as close as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were as close as" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is usually used to indicate two things or people that are very close to each other. For example, "The two houses were as close as neighbors could be."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In the one downhill training run this week, however, they were as close as could be: Vonn first and Mancuso second.

The New York Times - Sports

But despite the ultimate disappointment, the final result seemed apt: The school and the city were as close as could be.

Duke University

We were as close as brothers.

The New York Times

They were as close as a natural mother and daughter.

The New Yorker

They were as close as you can possibly get them".

The New York Times - Sports

"We were as close as you could be," Earnhardt said.

The New York Times - Magazine

But those moments were as close as "Exile" got to the expression of strong emotion.

The New York Times - Arts

Vinny was three years younger than Stephen, and they were as close as brothers.

The New Yorker

I think they were as close as two men could ever be".

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It is as close as that".

Independent

That's as close as she gets.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing relationships, consider using "were as close as" to emphasize the depth and intensity of the bond. For example, "They "were as close as" siblings, sharing every joy and sorrow."

Common error

Avoid using "were as close as" in overly formal or technical writing where a more precise description of the relationship or proximity is required. For instance, instead of saying "The measurements "were as close as" possible", specify the degree of accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were as close as" functions as a descriptive idiom, typically used to emphasize the intensity of a relationship or the degree of proximity between two or more entities. Ludwig provides examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were as close as" is a grammatically sound and relatively common idiom used to describe strong relationships or close proximity. According to Ludwig, it functions descriptively, emphasizing the depth or intensity of the connection. While versatile enough for both neutral and informal contexts, it should be used cautiously in highly formal or technical writing where precision is key. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, with some presence in academic and scientific sources. When alternative phrasing is needed, consider options like "shared a deep bond" or "had a close connection" for similar connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had a close connection

Indicates a strong bond or affinity between individuals or things.

enjoyed a tight relationship

Highlights the strength and intimacy of the relationship.

shared a deep bond

Emphasizes the emotional connection and strength of the relationship.

were like siblings

Emphasizes a familial bond, even without blood relation.

were inseparable

Suggests an inability to be apart, emphasizing constant companionship.

were closely knit

Implies a strong sense of community and mutual support.

shared everything

Highlights the openness and intimacy within the relationship.

maintained a strong friendship

Highlights a close bond built on friendship and mutual respect.

were nearly identical

Focuses on similarity in appearance or characteristics, rather than emotional closeness.

were very intimate

Highlights emotional or physical closeness and understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "were as close as" to describe a strong relationship between people, objects, or ideas. For example: "The two companies "were as close as partners"." or "The houses "were as close as neighbors"".

What are some alternatives to "were as close as"?

Alternatives include "shared a deep bond", "enjoyed a tight relationship", or "had a close connection", depending on the context.

Is "were as close as" formal or informal?

"Were as close as" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both informal and formal contexts, although it is advisable to use more precise language in technical or scientific writing.

What's the difference between "were as close as" and "were similar to"?

"Were as close as" typically implies a strong relationship or emotional bond, while "were similar to" simply indicates a resemblance or likeness without necessarily implying any connection.