yet so close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "yet so close" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a contrast between two ideas, indicating that something is far away in some sense but near in another. Example: "The finish line was just ahead, yet so close, I could almost taste victory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Yet "So Close to Paradise," like all of Mr. Wang's films, has not been released in China.

The New York Times

But the cartel war has complicated things here: the violence in Juárez can seem so far away, and yet so close.

The New York Times

In Mexico, where people have long complained about being so far from God yet so close to the United States, soccer was for decades a source of comfort.

The New York Times

I looked out across the flat expanse of the river-become-a-lake, recalling the last time I had been here — the gentle sound of the current, the clear water more transparent than air, flowing icy cold under the boat, and the pebbles, white and gray and black, slick and wet, so distant and yet so close, as the shadow of the boat slipped above them, rippling the bright-blue reflection of the sky.

The New Yorker

I looked out across the flat expanse of the river-become-a-lake, recalling the last time I had been here the gentle sound of the current, the clear water more transparent than air, flowing icy cold under the boat, and the pebbles, white and gray and black, slick and wet, so distant and yet so close, as the shadow of the boat slipped above them, rippling the bright-blue reflection of the sky.

The New Yorker

We are so different, and yet, so close.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Yet so far, close to no one has a lifted a finger to help save them.

Vice

12 34 P.M - "Are we there yet?" So in closing, Chevy Chase, if I ever get a chance to meet you, I will swiftly and without mercy kick you right in the f***ing balls, because traveling with kids on summer vacation totally sucks.

Huffington Post

So close, yet so far!

The New York Times

So close yet so far.

The Guardian - Sport

"So close yet so far" is the slogan of the record-setting chase.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "yet so close" to create a sense of dramatic irony or tension, highlighting the frustrating or poignant nature of a situation where a desired outcome is nearly achieved but remains elusive.

Common error

Avoid using "yet so close" in situations where a purely positive sense of anticipation is intended. The phrase inherently carries a hint of disappointment or unfulfilled potential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "yet so close" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb or clause, adding a layer of complexity by introducing a contrast. As confirmed by Ludwig, it highlights a situation where two opposing ideas coexist, typically emphasizing a sense of irony or disappointment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "yet so close" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that conveys a sense of near attainment coupled with ultimate failure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's most commonly found in news and media contexts, serving to express frustration or irony. While not as frequent as other similar phrases, understanding its nuanced usage can enrich writing by adding layers of meaning and emotional depth. Consider alternatives like ""almost within reach"" or ""so near and yet so far"" to fine-tune your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

so near and yet so far

A more common variation of the original phrase

almost within reach

Emphasizes the potential for attainment that exists concurrently with the idea of being distant.

tantalizingly near

Highlights the enticing and desirable nature of something that remains just out of grasp.

a hair's breadth away

Conveys the idea of being extremely close to a goal or outcome, almost negligibly separated.

just around the corner

Suggests that something is imminent and close, both in time and possibly in proximity.

within spitting distance

Indicates a short physical distance between two things, emphasizing closeness.

only a step away

Highlights the minimal effort or progress needed to reach a certain point.

within striking range

Implies that an objective is reachable with a strategic move or action.

a stone's throw away

Another idiom for a short distance, indicating that something is nearby.

close but no cigar

An idiomatic expression meaning nearly successful but ultimately failing.

FAQs

How can I use "yet so close" in a sentence?

The phrase "yet so close" is typically used to describe a situation where something desired is nearly attained but ultimately remains out of reach. For example, "The summit was in sight, yet so close, after days of climbing."

What's a more common variation of "yet so close"?

A more common and widely recognized variation is "so near and yet so far", which expresses a similar sentiment of near attainment combined with ultimate failure.

Can "yet so close" be used to describe physical distance?

Yes, it can, but it's often used metaphorically to describe emotional or abstract distances. For physical distance, phrases like "just around the corner" or "a stone's throw away" are more common.

What other phrases convey the feeling of being almost there?

Alternatives include "almost within reach", "tantalizingly near", and "a hair's breadth away". Each emphasizes a slightly different nuance of near attainment and potential frustration.