One of the key differences between the different possible physical states is the proximity of the particles. In solids, we will have atoms being really close to each other, most likely tightly packed. In gas, the atoms will be really away from each other, traveling with random movements and colliding sometimes. Liquid state is in between these two situations, not too far and not too close, but they are closer than farther. Therefore we can consider that the best answer for this question is Close together