WHICH WORD?

near - nearby - close

Confusing!

​KEEP IT SIMPLE

In every day, spoken English, just learn how to use "near". 
Don't spend a lot of time trying to understand these three words for normal, everyday conversation.
​
Just use NEAR!

Now, if you are preparing for academic study, or the TOEFL/IELTS then you will need to understand how to use these four words. 
near
I live near McDonald's. 
​Correct 
I live near to McDonald's.   Incorrect xx
You can say "near to", but it's wrong, but you will be understood.

You can say "next to" no problem. 

McDonald's is next to my house.

​It just gets more confusing!
close to
I live close to McDonalds.   Correct
I live close McDonalds.   
​Incorrect xx
You can say "close to",
but don't use "near to".
  
You can say "close to",
but don't say only "close". 
​
You live "close to" + a place 
or, you are "close to" + verb (doing something)
nearby
  • "Near to" is not correct but you will be understood.​
​​
  • "Near to" is used in some situations dealing with time, but is seldom used.

  • "I work nearby."  = "I work close to here"  = "I work near here."  ​ ​
close to + verb + ing
  • I'm close to buying a new computer.

  • Bill is close to getting that new job in Silicon Valley.

  • I'm nowhere near being close to retiring!
NOTE: 
opposite of near