Getting closer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Getting closer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is approaching a goal, destination, or desired outcome. Example: "With each step we take, we are getting closer to our final destination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Getting closer to Hell or farther away.

The New Yorker

Getting closer.

Huffington Post

Getting closer, with comfort in mind.

Los Angeles Times

He's certainly getting closer".

The New York Times - Sports

He was getting closer.

The New Yorker

Gunshots getting closer.

The New York Times

"It is getting closer".

The New York Times

"He is getting closer.

Independent

I'm getting closer".

The New York Times - Sports

The man was getting closer.

The New York Times - Magazine

But it is getting closer.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Getting closer" to indicate progress toward a specific goal or objective. For example, "After several revisions, the manuscript is getting closer to publication."

Common error

Avoid using "Getting closer" when referring to completely abstract concepts without a tangible sense of progress. Instead of saying "I'm getting closer to understanding life's meaning", consider phrases like "I'm developing a better understanding of" or "I'm exploring the concept of."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Getting closer" functions primarily as a predicate adjective or part of a continuous verb construction. It describes the state of approaching a destination, goal, or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically sound and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Getting closer" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate progress towards a goal, destination, or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, its neutral register allows for broad applicability across various contexts, from formal news reports to informal conversations. While highly frequent in News & Media, it also appears in Science and Formal & Business settings. When using the phrase, ensure it's applied in contexts where a tangible sense of progress is evident. Remember to consider alternatives like "approaching" or "drawing nearer" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Coming closer

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes the act of coming.

Approaching

A more formal and direct synonym, suitable for many contexts.

Drawing nearer

Emphasizes a physical or metaphorical movement towards something.

Nearing

A slightly more literary or formal way to express approaching.

Closing in

Suggests a reduction of distance, often in a competitive context.

Progressing towards

Focuses on the gradual improvement or movement.

Gaining on

Implies catching up to something or someone.

Advancing towards

Describes progress in a specific direction.

On the verge of

Indicates being very close to a particular state or event.

Within reach

Highlights that something is nearly attainable.

FAQs

How can I use "Getting closer" in a sentence?

You can use "Getting closer" to describe progress towards a goal, like "We are "getting closer" to finishing the project", or to describe a physical approach, such as "The train is "getting closer" to the station".

What are some alternatives to "Getting closer"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "approaching", "drawing nearer", or "coming closer".

Is "Getting closer" grammatically correct?

Yes, "Getting closer" is grammatically correct as a present participle phrase functioning as a predicate adjective or part of a continuous verb tense.

What's the difference between "Getting closer" and "Becoming closer"?

"Getting closer" suggests a process of reducing distance, while "Becoming closer" implies a strengthening of a relationship or bond. For example, "We are "getting closer" to the deadline" versus "We are "becoming closer" as friends".