ENGLISH
REFERENCE

close to sb/sth

prep. phr..
A2 Elementary Oxford

prep. phr.. Means you are near a person or thing in distance. It can also mean you have a strong, loving relationship with someone.

prep. phr.. An adjectival phrase indicating either physical proximity (nearness in space or time) or a strong emotional bond with a person.


SIMPLE

She is very close to her sister.

CONTEXTUAL

After living next door for years, the two families became very close to each other.

COMPLEX

The research team was tantalizingly close to a breakthrough, but a sudden funding cut forced them to abandon the project.

Usage

Can describe physical distance, an emotional relationship, or being near to achieving a goal.

Teaching tip

Contrast the literal meaning of physical nearness ('close to the station') with the metaphorical meaning of emotional intimacy ('close to my mother').

Pitfall

I am very close my brother.I am very close to my brother.The preposition 'to' is required to connect 'close' with the person or thing it relates to.

© 2026 English Reference