Close/near (to)

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Jandi

#49806 Mon, 11 Oct 04 05:25 AM

Hello, teachers!

Are these all natural and common?

1-1. Is your new apartment/house/home close your son's school?
1-2. Is your new apartment/house/home close to your son's school?

2-1. Is your new apartment/house/home near your son's school?
2-2. Is your new apartment/house/home near to your son's school?

I think in modern English we scarcely use 'to' with 'close' or 'near', so 1-2 and 2-2 are uncommon. Am I right?

Thank you very much.
Peace!

Jandi

Joined on Tue, Sep 7 2004

Full Member (348)

CalifJim

#49818 Mon, 11 Oct 04 07:37 AM

No, you are not right! But you are close!!! Smile [:)]

Usually we say "near" (without "to"). It is not at all common to say "near to", but it is not really wrong.

We say "close to", not "close". I would say "close your son's school" is really completely wrong.

My recommendation is to use "close to" or "near", but not "close" or "near to".

Hope that helps.

Smile [:)]

CalifJim

Joined on Mon, Aug 2 2004

California

Veteran Member (18,315)

"There are no facts, only interpretations" - Nietzsche

salam1101

#49879 Mon, 11 Oct 04 05:18 PM

Hi, CalifJim
Maybe it's a funny question, but I'm kind of curious:
Is it true that Canadian people use the word ''close'' more than ''near'' and American the other way around? Huh? [:^)]

Thanks

salam1101

Joined on Mon, Dec 15 2003

Full Member (117)

CalifJim

#49951 Tue, 12 Oct 04 03:26 AM

I'm sorry Salam, I don't know the answer to that question!
I would have chosen the same emoticon as you did! I am equally puzzled! Huh? [:^)]

I am not Canadian, but I often use "close to". I also use "near"! Smile [:)]

CalifJim

salam1101

#49972 Tue, 12 Oct 04 06:16 AM

Thanks for your reply, Jim.
Maybe I can bother you, Mister Micawber, asking your opinion too, sorry for disturbing you.
e.g. Is there a gas station nearby/closeby?
Is it far? No, it's very close/near.

salam1101