nearly vs “close to”

Both "nearly" and "close to" are correct and commonly used to indicate proximity or a small difference. They can be used interchangeably in many contexts.

Last updated: April 01, 2024 • 756 views

The word "nearly" is correct and commonly used to indicate proximity or a small difference.

"nearly"

It is used to show that something is close to a particular state or condition, but not completely there.

Examples:

She nearly missed the bus.
The project is nearly complete.
He nearly fell off the ladder.
I nearly forgot your birthday.
The store is nearly out of stock.

Show examples from the web [+]

Your economy cuts nearly poisoned half of Locksley village.
They made their traffickers nearly four million dollars.
Construction started nearly 40 years ago.
Its crimes against mankind began nearly 2000 years ago.
Chloe, those files contain details of nearly every operation.
Linear polyethylene is nearly 100% crystalline.
Blissing one human nearly killed you.
We helped catch nearly a dozen killers.
Our community service is nearly over.
The transition facility is nearly complete.
I nearly bought a wedding dress once.
Your instincts nearly cost us everything.
Our planet was devastated, our civilization nearly destroyed.
My first Labor nearly killed me.
Thirty-five weeks is nearly full-term for twins.
Your elbow nearly killed the lift.
This drunk nearly killed my friend.
Driscoll has worked on nearly 200 properties.
Detective Castillo, your incompetence nearly cost us the Orion investigation.
We nearly lost control of them.

Alternatives:

almost
practically
virtually
just about
all but

The phrase "close to" is correct and commonly used to indicate proximity or a small difference.

"“close to”"

It is used to show that something is near or similar to a particular state or condition.

Examples:

The temperature is close to freezing.
She is close to achieving her goal.
The company is close to bankruptcy.
The colors are close to matching.
The exam scores are close to each other.

Show examples from the web [+]

Ecofin ministers have a clear understanding of what is "close to" and "temporary".
Indeed, the document approved by Ecofin and by the European Council makes it clear that any deficit above 3 per cent, to be justified by relevant factors and by exceptional circumstances, has to be "close to" the 3 per cent and "temporary".
Synonym for "close-to" - synonyms and words
The TRYP Higienópolis is "close to everything".
The inn is "far from everything", "close to nothing", in the middle of nowhere.
"Indeed" is close to "yes," right?
Under the motto "Close to home", they ensure friendly and professional care of elderly people and people in need of care.
Pizzeria "Bakra" - close to ferry, bus and train stations, pizza bread oven.
"Close to the sky" - Schweizer Illustrierte
Apparently someone "close to the family" went to the press.
It's so close to "gynecologist" which is disgusting.
Click "Close" to exit Print Preview.
Click "Close" to save your settings.
"smashing" is not close to "jackhammer."
Next on "Too Close to Home"...
HOTEL HEDERA is situated inside the scenic "Olives Bay" close to a beautiful, wide, pebble beach.
And "you're" close to non-compliance with procedural rules.
That's not even close to "Andre".
Automa is aware that, apart from keeping users updated with AutomaNews, the web site, articles on magazines, etc., it is important to have direct contact with their customers and to give them a reference point "close to home".
The "close to nature" riparian forests of the "Kalten" are distinguished by luscious growth. (Photo: A. Köck)

Alternatives:

near to
in proximity to
not far from
approaching
on the verge of

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nearly vs “close to”

"nearly"

"“close to”"

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