close to
very near; at a short distance from
- Close to emphasizes very short distance, often stronger than near.
- For strict adjacency (side-by-side), next to / beside is clearer.
- The common pattern is close to + noun/pronoun/gerund.
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Examples
Spatial examples
Stay close to the wall.
We sat close to the stage.
Related prepositions
Key differences
Close to emphasizes very short distance. Near is broader. Next to/beside is for strict adjacency. Far from is the opposite.
Near means generally close; close to often sounds stronger for very short distance.
Next to signals immediate adjacency. Close to is about distance and can allow some gap and different directions.
Far from is the opposite: large distance.
Quick check questions (decision tree)
Do you want to emphasize very short distance?
Yes -> close to is a strong choice.
Is strict side-by-side adjacency required?
Yes -> next to / beside is clearer.
Do you only mean general closeness without strong emphasis?
Yes -> near is more neutral.
Is it an approximation for a number or time?
Yes -> close to can mean almost (close to 100, close to midnight).
Common collocations
Places (very near)
Objects (very close)
Approximation (almost)
Common mistakes
Avoid: My house is close the station.
Use: My house is close to the station.
Reason: For distance, the common pattern is close to + noun.
Avoid: Please sit close to me. (when side-by-side adjacency is required)
Use: Please sit next to me.
Reason: Next to/beside is clearer for strict adjacency; close to is distance-focused.
Avoid: I'm close to finish the report.
Use: I'm close to finishing the report.
Reason: Close to commonly takes a noun or gerund (-ing), not a bare verb.
Mini quiz
Question 1
Choose the correct preposition: Our hotel is ___ the beach (a 5-minute walk).
Choose an answer
Question 2
Choose the more natural option: Please sit ___ me so we can share this book.
Choose an answer
Question 3
Choose the correct phrase: The price is ___ $50 (about $50).
Choose an answer
Quick FAQ
What is the core meaning of close to?+
Close to means very near. It emphasizes short distance and is often stronger than near.
How is close to different from near?+
Near is broader and more neutral. Close to often highlights very short distance more strongly.
How do I choose between close to and next to?+
Next to is strict adjacency (side-by-side). Close to is distance-focused and can be close in any direction, not necessarily adjacent.
Do I need 'to' after close?+
For distance, yes in the common pattern: close to + noun (close to the station). Without to, close becomes a verb (close the station).
Can close to mean 'almost'?+
Yes. It is common for approximations: close to 100, close to $50, close to midnight.
What are common grammar patterns with close to?+
Common patterns include close to + noun/pronoun (close to me) and close to + gerund (close to finishing).
What is a common learner mistake with close to?+
Common mistakes include dropping to and using close to where next to is needed for strict adjacency.
What is a 30-second memory rule for close to?+
If you want to emphasize very short distance, use close to. If you need strict adjacency, use next to/beside. If you only mean generally close, use near.