Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[puzzle]

Dear teachers,
What's the difference between "close to "& "next to". In the following text the answer is "close to " but I think " next to " is appropriate.because "next to" here means "almost". Can you expain it to me?The text is:
The man and the woman rushing toward him , up the steps of the Yonge Street Mission, were waving their arms and trying to catch his attention. Tired from a week of seemingly endless days at the centre, Ryan had the door key in his hand. After all, it was Christmas Eve and he wanted to get home to his own family.
" They were 24missing us," said Ryan."They had no money and no other place to turn for help."
24. A. close to B. next to
Thank you!

[CP]

In this sentence, you want "close to." "They were close to missing us" means they nearly missed us but did not. "Next to" just wouldn't be right in this sentence.

You would use "next to" to mean "almost" in such sentences as, "It cost me next to nothing -- just a dollar."
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