Explanation of "Close to"
Definition:
The phrase "close to" can be used in different contexts, but generally, it means something is near in distance, time, or amount. It can also suggest that something is not exact but is approximately correct.
Usage Instructions
When to Use: You can use "close to" when you want to indicate that something is near in terms of physical space, time, or quantity. It is often used when the exact measurement is not known, but you want to give a rough idea.
Structure: Typically, "close to" is followed by a noun, number, or a phrase.
Examples
Distance: "The school is close to my house." (This means the school is near my house.)
Time: "We are close to finishing the project." (This means we are almost done with the project.)
Quantity: "There are close to twenty people in the room." (This means there are almost twenty people.)
Advanced Usage
Imprecise Measurements: You can use "close to" for quantities when you want to give an approximate number. For example: "It costs close to $50." (This means it costs nearly $50, but maybe not exactly.)
Time Estimation: "The meeting lasted close to two hours." (This suggests the meeting was nearly two hours long.)
Word Variants
Close (adjective): When something is near in space or time, e.g., "The shop is close."
Closure (noun): The act of closing something or the state of being closed.
Different Meanings
Close to (literal): Physically near (e.g., "The park is close to my apartment.")
Close to (figurative): Emotionally near (e.g., "She is close to her family." meaning she has a strong emotional bond with them.)
Synonyms
Near
Almost
Approximately
Roughly
Idioms
Phrasal Verbs
Summary
"Close to" is a versatile phrase used to express proximity in distance, time, or quantity.