were close to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were close to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate proximity or a near relationship to something or someone, either physically or emotionally. Example: "They were close to reaching their goal after months of hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Their ideas were close to ours".

The New York Times

His taxes were close to $30,000.

The New York Times

Many were close to tears.

The New York Times - Arts

Some were close to tears.

The New York Times

His reasons were close to home.

The New York Times

The lines were close to collapse.

The Guardian

"We were close to the water.

The New York Times

Both were close to Glover and Hanlon.

The Guardian

Many more were close to quitting.

The Guardian

However, temperatures were close to average.

The Guardian

"They were close to doing it".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were close to", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the subject was nearing, whether it's a physical location, a state of being, or a numerical value. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "were close to" when you mean 'exactly'. This phrase indicates approximation, not precision. Using it interchangeably may mislead your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were close to" functions as a verbal phrase, typically serving as part of the predicate in a sentence. It indicates a state of proximity, either physical or metaphorical. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were close to" is a versatile expression used to indicate proximity or nearness, either physically or metaphorically. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including news, science, and everyday conversation. When using "were close to", ensure clarity by specifying what is being approached and avoid using it when precision is required. Alternatives like "were nearing" or "were almost at" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were nearing

Indicates a state of approaching something, suggesting a progressive movement towards a point or condition.

were approaching

Similar to 'were nearing', it emphasizes the process of getting closer to a specific location, time, or state.

were almost at

Highlights the near completion or achievement of something, focusing on the final stages.

were on the verge of

Emphasizes the imminence of an event or state, suggesting that it is about to happen.

were on the brink of

Similar to 'were on the verge of', but often implies a more critical or precarious situation.

were just about to

Indicates that something was about to occur, highlighting the immediacy of the action.

were within reach of

Suggests that something was attainable or achievable, emphasizing the possibility of success.

were in proximity to

Formally indicates physical nearness to a location.

were intimately linked to

Signals that two or more things are strongly associated or connected.

were bordering on

Implies a state that is approaching an extreme, often negative, condition or characteristic.

FAQs

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

You can use "were close to" to describe proximity, like "They "were close to" the finish line", or a near state, such as "The negotiations "were close to" a breakthrough".

What are some alternatives to "were close to"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "were nearing", "were almost at", or "were on the verge of".

Is it correct to use "were close to" in formal writing?

Yes, "were close to" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. Its usage is widespread and generally accepted in various contexts, as confirmed by "Ludwig AI".

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

"Were near" generally indicates physical proximity. "Were close to" can imply both physical and metaphorical nearness, like being close to a solution or a deadline.