Coming nearer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Coming nearer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone approaching or getting closer in distance or time. Example: "As the storm clouds gathered, the thunder was coming nearer, signaling an impending downpour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Coming nearer, I was stunned as I realized that anunexploded missile poked through both sides of the destroyed shelving.Could that be?

The New York Times - Books

That objective is now coming nearer.

The Economist

And also, her mother was frail, elderly, and coming nearer to death.

The New York Times

"You could see every day it was coming nearer," says the retired teaching assistant, 64.

The Guardian

Edward VII was dead; Stravinsky was composing "The Rite of Spring"; the Great War was coming nearer.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's like a day of reckoning coming nearer," said Rajiv Kumar, secretary general of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"I'm not coming near you.

The New York Times

"Mary? She's coming near her time".

The New Yorker

Then, gradually, I come nearer.

The New Yorker

As we came nearer to Ikeja, we began to worry.

The Guardian - Music

As she came nearer he stopped stabbing and finished chewing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "coming nearer" to create a sense of anticipation or immediacy in your writing. It works well when describing both physical proximity and the approach of events or deadlines.

Common error

While generally acceptable, "coming nearer" might sound slightly informal in very formal or academic writing. Consider stronger, more precise alternatives like "approaching" or "becoming imminent" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

Coming nearer functions as a participial phrase, often used to modify nouns or pronouns, adding descriptive detail about something that is approaching or drawing closer. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "coming nearer" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that effectively conveys the idea of approaching or drawing closer. As Ludwig highlights, it is commonly found in news and media sources, science, and encyclopedias. While generally neutral in tone, it can be adapted to create different effects, from anticipation to foreboding. While it is generally acceptable, in some more formal contexts consider stronger, more precise alternatives like "approaching" or "becoming imminent".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Drawing closer

This alternative replaces "coming" with "drawing", emphasizing the action of approaching.

Approaching

A more concise synonym that focuses on the act of nearing a point or object.

Nearing

Similar to approaching but can also imply a point in time, not just physical space.

Getting closer

An informal alternative, implying a gradual reduction in distance.

Advancing

Suggests a forward movement, often with a sense of purpose or progress.

Moving closer

A straightforward alternative that highlights the action of reducing distance.

Closing in

Implies a sense of encirclement or imminent contact.

Becoming imminent

Shifts the focus to the impending nature of an event or situation.

On the horizon

Figurative language suggesting something is about to appear or happen.

In the offing

An idiomatic expression indicating that something is likely to happen soon.

FAQs

How can I use "Coming nearer" in a sentence?

You can use "Coming nearer" to describe the approach of a physical object, an event, or a deadline. For instance, "As the deadline was "approaching", the pressure increased."

What are some alternatives to "Coming nearer"?

Alternatives include "approaching", "drawing closer", "nearing", and "getting closer". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "Coming nearer" grammatically correct?

Yes, "Coming nearer" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It functions as a present participle phrase.

In what contexts is "Coming nearer" most appropriate?

"Coming nearer" is suitable for a variety of contexts, from describing physical movement to the progression of time. It is particularly effective in creating a sense of anticipation or foreboding. Other choices could be "approaching" or "drawing closer".