approaching

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "approaching" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is getting closer to a particular point in time or space. Example: "As the deadline for the project is approaching, we need to finalize our plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In France, the government is approaching the issue gingerly.

The New York Times

Sheila Scott, chief executive of the National Care Association, which represents many smaller care home providers, said care costs could in many instances be approaching two-thirds of total fees because of the growing dependency of people entering residential care.

The Guardian

At the other end of the pitch, star striker Amad Al-Hosni has troubled Australia in the past and is increasingly surrounded by younger team-mates as Le Guen, who is approaching an impressive three year anniversary in the job, has used his joint role as Olympic coach to smoothen the transition from youth teams to senior side.

The Guardian - Sport

These might sound like small victories, but together they are part of a real shift in the way big businesses are approaching the marketing of children's toys and clothes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"The series is iconic, an international phenomenon and an historic institution – so when I arrived at Lancaster University, I was surprised a society didn't exist!" He says: "The 50th anniversary of the show was approaching and my uni was nearing it's 50th year, so I developed a six-month plan to create a society for Whovians".

The Guardian

The company attracted criticism for a poster that suggested betting on the chances of two elderly women crossing a road before being run over by an approaching lorry.

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 4.19pm BST16:19 Rolland has been hauled in by the pack, who are now approaching Sheffield city centre, they'll take a sharp left up Jenkin Road, circle Meadowhall train station, then drop down to the finish at the other end of Hawke Street.

The Guardian - Sport

With any luck, we are approaching a period in which solid achievement will be given preference over superficial charm.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rockström said there was now enough scientific evidence that the world was approaching irreversible tipping points where the Earth's system begins to accelerate the warming that man has already caused.

The Guardian

In London we have five wonderful orchestras, and only one (the BBC Symphony Orchestra) has anything approaching this kind of employment.

The Guardian - Music

Even as US and Iranian negotiators pursue talks over Iran's nuclear programme, with a tentative deadline approaching in two weeks, the realities of the war on Isis and its extremist Sunni Salafi ideology have bound the two powers together in unprecedented ways.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something negative that is "approaching", consider using alternatives like "looming" or "impending" to add a sense of urgency or threat.

Common error

While "approaching" is versatile, avoid overuse in formal writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "nearing" or "drawing near" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The term "approaching" functions primarily as a present participle or gerund. As seen in Ludwig examples, it describes an action in progress, indicating that something is in the process of coming nearer. It can also act as an adjective modifying a noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "approaching" is a versatile term used to describe the act of drawing near, whether physically, temporally, or conceptually. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, careful consideration of alternative terms can enhance the precision and sophistication of your writing. Remember to avoid overuse and consider context when choosing the best alternative for your specific needs. Common usages include "approaching deadline", "approaching storm", and "approaching a solution".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearing

Indicates being close in distance or time, similar to approaching but often implies a greater degree of closeness.

drawing near

A more descriptive way of saying approaching, emphasizing the act of getting closer.

coming closer

Directly indicates the act of reducing the distance, whether literal or figurative.

on the horizon

Implies that something is becoming visible or imminent, often used for future events.

in sight

Suggests that a goal or event is nearly achievable or visible.

on the way

Indicates that something is in transit or in the process of happening.

advancing

Suggests a forward movement, often in a military or strategic context.

impending

Implies that something is about to happen, often with a sense of urgency or inevitability.

looming

Suggests that something large or significant is approaching, often with a threatening connotation.

in the pipeline

Indicates that something is in development or preparation, about to be released or implemented.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "approaching" when referring to time?

You can use alternatives like "nearing", "drawing near", or "imminent" depending on the context.

How is "approaching" different from "impending"?

"Approaching" simply means getting closer, while "impending" suggests that something, often negative, is about to happen. For instance, "The storm is approaching" versus "The crisis is impending".

Is it correct to use "approaching" for abstract concepts?

Yes, "approaching" can be used for abstract concepts. For example, "The team is approaching a solution" or "We are approaching a consensus".

What are some common collocations with "approaching"?

Common collocations include "approaching deadline", "approaching storm", "approaching retirement", and "approaching winter".