were close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were close" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more people or things are near each other in distance or relationship. Example: "During our childhood, we were close, sharing secrets and dreams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

We were close, yah".

The New Yorker

The sisters were close.

The New York Times

They were close allies.

The Economist

We were close friends.

The New Yorker

So we were close.

The New Yorker

We were close once.

The New York Times - Magazine

They were close friends.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Hotels were closed.

The New York Times

The floors were closed.

The New Yorker

The briefcases were closed.

The New Yorker

The mills were closed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were close" to describe a relationship, consider adding specifics to illustrate the nature of the closeness. Instead of simply stating "They were close", elaborate with details like "They were close, sharing secrets and supporting each other through difficult times."

Common error

Avoid using "were close" when the relationship is ongoing. In present tense, use "are close" instead of "were close". For instance, say "We are close now" not "We were close now" unless referring to the past.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were close" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It describes a state of being, indicating nearness (either physical or emotional) in the past. This is supported by Ludwig examples such as "We were close friends" and "Their families were close".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were close" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe past relationships or proximity, as indicated by Ludwig. It is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase's function is descriptive, its purpose is to convey past connections, and its register is generally neutral. While the phrase is widely understood, it's important to consider the specific context to ensure clarity and avoid errors like using it for present relationships. Alternatives like "were near" or "had a close relationship" can be used to add nuance or clarity. Remember to tailor your usage to accurately reflect the intended meaning and timeframe.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were near

Replaces "close" with a more general term for proximity.

had a close relationship

Expands the phrase into a more explicit noun-based construction.

were closely connected

Highlights connection and is more formal.

were intimate

Emphasizes emotional nearness rather than physical proximity.

were on good terms

Highlights the positive and agreeable nature of the relationship.

were like family

Indicates a familial level of closeness, even without blood relation.

were friendly

Focuses on amicable relations between subjects.

shared a bond

Emphasizes a strong connection or link between individuals.

were inseparable

Suggests an extreme level of closeness, implying constant togetherness.

were kindred spirits

Suggests a deep, spiritual connection and understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "were close" to describe a past relationship or proximity. For example, "They "were close" friends in college", or "The two houses "were close" enough to touch".

What's a good alternative to "were close"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "were near", "were intimate", or "had a close relationship" as alternatives to "were close".

Is it correct to say "we are close" instead of "we were close"?

Yes, "we are close" indicates a present relationship, while "we were close" refers to a past relationship. Choose the tense that accurately reflects the current status of the relationship.

How does "were close" differ from "are close"?

"Were close" refers to a past state of nearness or intimacy, while "are close" indicates a current state. Using the correct tense ensures clarity in expressing the relationship's timeline.