approaching completion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "approaching completion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is nearing its final stages or is almost finished. Example: "The project is approaching completion, and we expect to finalize it by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

To the distress of many local residents a 20-story, 300-unit rental apartment tower is approaching completion on the southeast corner of the grounds.

The New York Times - Arts

One World Trade Center, finally approaching completion after 13 years of trauma and backbiting, has become a familiar, serene sight to New Yorkers – from a distance, at least.

The Guardian

The project was approaching completion when the recession hit, and new ventures like the luxury condos at the Marriott/Ritz-Carlton have struggled.

The New Yorker

From another perspective, this is the moment for the feast before the famine: the impending deadline means that a surge of projects are approaching completion.

The New York Times

In November 1869 The New York Tribune carried a notice that "Mr. Rutherford Stuyvesant's new building... is now rapidly approaching completion.

The New York Times

The approaching completion of the Malaysian refinery, with the capacity to meet a fifth of the world's demand, has contributed to the plunge.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

As the opus approached completion, a button was touched that should have been left untouched, and whoosh – not a word was ever recovered.

Independent

In contrast, reactors built in the 1960s, '70s and '80s obtained construction permits and then, as their plants approached completion, went back and sought permits to run them.

The New York Times

When the Hudson River Park approaches completion -- estimates range from 7 or 8 years to 15 -- some of these nonprofits may be evicted, said Alex Dudley, a spokesman for the Hudson River Park Trust, which is building the park.

The New York Times

As he approached completion of his Ph.D., however, he noticed that his interest was waning.

Science Magazine

When the reaction approaches completion, the molecular weight distribution of the resultant polymers is found to broaden with increasing g, and become narrower with increasing f.

Polymer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "approaching completion", ensure that the context clearly indicates the object or project nearing its end. Specify the expected timeline for full completion if possible, such as "The project is approaching completion, with an expected finish date next month."

Common error

Avoid using "approaching completion" without providing any indication of when the completion is expected. Saying "The task is approaching completion" without further details leaves the audience unsure about the actual progress and remaining time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "approaching completion" functions as a descriptor, indicating that a project, task, or process is in its final stages or is nearing its end. This usage is supported by numerous examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

30%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science & Research

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "approaching completion" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that is nearing its final stages. According to Ludwig, it functions as a descriptor, informing an audience about the status of a project or task. While suitable for both formal and informal contexts, it's best practice to provide a clear timeline for the expected completion. Alternatives such as "nearing completion" or "almost finished" can be used depending on the specific context. The phrase is frequently found in news and media, as well as in scientific articles. Therefore, when using the phrase "approaching completion", ensure clarity and specify timelines to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearing completion

Focuses on the gradual reduction of the remaining work.

drawing to a close

Emphasizes the temporal aspect of ending a process.

coming to an end

Highlights the termination phase of something.

nearing its end

Similar to 'coming to an end' but highlights the phase is near.

almost finished

A more informal way to express the state of being close to completion.

on the verge of completion

Implies an imminent finalization.

in the home stretch

An idiomatic expression indicating the final part of a process.

close to being done

Informal and conveys a sense of nearing the end of a task.

nearing finalization

Highlights that only the formal process of finalizing remains.

in the final stages

Focuses on the phase of the process nearing the end.

FAQs

How can I use "approaching completion" in a sentence?

You can use "approaching completion" to indicate that something is nearing its final stages. For example, "The building project is "approaching completion", with only a few finishing touches remaining."

What's a good alternative to "approaching completion"?

Alternatives include "nearing completion", "almost finished", or "drawing to a close" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "approaching to completion"?

No, the correct phrase is "approaching completion" without the "to". The preposition "to" is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect in this context.

What is the difference between "approaching completion" and "near completion"?

"Approaching completion" implies a process of getting closer to being finished, while "near completion" describes a state of being close to finished. They can often be used interchangeably, but "approaching completion" emphasizes the ongoing progress.