An impending deadline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "An impending deadline" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a deadline that is approaching or about to occur soon. Example: "With an impending deadline for the project, the team worked late into the night to finalize their work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Perhaps a piece I was editing at the video production company where I freelanced or an impending deadline for an appeal at the law firm where I still worked part-time.

HuffPost

If an impending deadline precludes students from meeting an advisor in person, help is still just a click away.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Trump has recently tied funding for his wall to domestic politics and an impending deadline for the funding of government.

The Guardian

Officials pointed in particular to an intelligence report before Tuesday's attacks that at least one member of Mr. bin Laden's family had been told to leave Saudi Arabia and get to a safer location, possibly Afghanistan, before an impending deadline.

The New York Times

Does he recognize the aptitude of an event as a good story when he's going through it, or does that come with reflection (or the force of an impending deadline)?

The New Yorker

The only exception is during a crisis or in the face of an impending deadline — when somehow the use of time magically shifts to match the short-term priority.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Solutions are needed by an unknown, but plausibly impending, deadline.

Stanford University

But despite the impending deadline, executives are confident that the opening will go smoothly.

The Guardian

Back in Johnson's corner, talk had turned to the future of the press beyond the impending deadline.

The New Yorker

Given the impending deadline, Justice Kennedy is expected to act quickly on the request, possibly as early as Tuesday.

The New York Times

One factor that may have contributed to the current decline is the impending deadline for paying 1999 income taxes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an impending deadline", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the deadline pertains to, and why it is significant. For example, specify the project, task, or event associated with the deadline.

Common error

Avoid using "an impending deadline" when the deadline is already past or has been significantly extended. The term implies an immediate or near-future constraint. Instead, use terms like 'missed deadline' or 'extended deadline'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an impending deadline" functions as a noun phrase, where "impending" modifies the noun "deadline". As supported by Ludwig, this phrase effectively communicates the proximity and urgency of a specific due date.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an impending deadline" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that effectively communicates the approaching nature of a deadline. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and appropriateness in various contexts. It's most frequently found in News & Media, followed by Academia and Formal & Business settings. While alternatives like "a looming deadline" or "an approaching deadline" exist, "an impending deadline" offers a balance of formality and urgency, suitable for a wide range of communication needs. When using the phrase, ensure the context makes clear what the deadline is associated to and why it matters. By following this advice, you can ensure your message is clear, concise, and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A looming deadline

Emphasizes the threatening or overwhelming nature of the approaching deadline.

An approaching deadline

Indicates the deadline is getting closer in a more neutral tone.

A fast-approaching deadline

Highlights the speed at which the deadline is nearing.

An imminent deadline

Suggests the deadline is very close and about to happen.

An urgent deadline

Focuses on the critical need to complete something by the specified time.

A pressing deadline

Highlights the importance and demanding nature of the deadline.

The deadline is nigh

Uses more archaic language to emphasize the closeness of the deadline.

The deadline is drawing near

Illustrates the progressive approach of the deadline.

A forthcoming deadline

States that the deadline is going to happen soon.

A rapidly approaching deadline

Underscores the quickness of the deadline's approach.

FAQs

What does "an impending deadline" mean?

The phrase "an impending deadline" refers to a deadline that is about to occur or is approaching very soon. It suggests a sense of urgency and the need for immediate action.

How can I use "an impending deadline" in a sentence?

You can use "an impending deadline" to emphasize the nearness of a deadline and the pressure it creates. For example, "With "a looming deadline", the team worked tirelessly to complete the project".

What are some alternatives to "an impending deadline"?

Alternatives include "a looming deadline", "an approaching deadline", or "an imminent deadline". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "impending deadline" or "approaching deadline"?

"Impending" suggests a more immediate and possibly threatening sense of urgency compared to "approaching". While both are correct, "impending" is used to convey a greater sense of immediacy. If you want to diminish it use "forthcoming deadline".