Close Proximity: Is It Redundant?
Quick Answer
Yes, "close proximity" is redundant.
Proximity already means closeness. Just say "proximity" or "nearby."
Why Is It Redundant?
Proximity = nearness; closeness in space, time, or relationship
Since proximity inherently means "closeness," saying "close proximity" is like saying "close closeness"-unnecessarily repetitive.
Etymology: "Proximity" comes from Latin proximus, meaning "nearest" or "very near."
Examples
✘The hotel is in close proximity to the beach.
✔The hotel is near the beach.
✔The hotel is in proximity to the beach.
✘They live in close proximity to each other.
✔They live close to each other.
✔They live nearby.
✘The explosion occurred in close proximity to the school.
✔The explosion occurred near the school.
Better Alternatives
Instead of "close proximity," use:
- • near (simplest)
- • nearby
- • close to
- • in proximity to (formal)
- • in the vicinity of (formal)
- • adjacent to (when touching/bordering)
Why Do People Say It?
"Close proximity" has become common because:
- • "Proximity" sounds formal and impressive
- • Adding "close" feels like it emphasizes the nearness
- • It's frequently used in real estate, journalism, and business writing
Despite its common use, careful writers avoid this redundancy.
Practice
Fix this sentence:
"The new restaurant is located in close proximity to the train station."
Similar Redundancies
- • completely surrounded → surrounded
- • totally unanimous → unanimous
- • exact same → same
- • true fact → fact