approaching conclusion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "approaching conclusion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is nearing its end or final decision, often in discussions, reports, or analyses. Example: "After reviewing all the evidence, we are now approaching conclusion on the matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A melancholy air of approaching conclusion and separation had begun to hover about us, thus heightening the pleasure of the completely unexpected grand finale.

The New York Times - Travel

The amended prospectus by Twitter signals the quickly approaching conclusion of the metamorphosis of the six-year-old micro-messaging service into a publicly traded company, one that has been in the works for months.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The second world Internet Championship is approaching its conclusion, with eight teams still in contention.

The New York Times - Arts

4.05pm BST 15km remaining So, we are approaching the conclusion of stage 2 in Corsica.

The Guardian - Sport

But now, whether Sal and Jimmy speak to each other or not, the feud is approaching a conclusion.

The New York Times

The contest had been under way for four years and approaching a conclusion.

Independent

THE sale by Ford of the two British premium marques, Jaguar and Land Rover (JLR), is fast approaching its conclusion.

The Economist

By Jonathan Schell The New Yorker, May 6 , 1972P. 29 Time is running out in Indo-China, & events there may be rapidly approaching their conclusion.

The New Yorker

As you all are hopefully well aware, our almost year-long effort to redesign the Libraries primary public website is approaching its conclusion.

Columbia University

Here's two fresh dispatches from young people reflecting on Rio+20, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, which is approaching its conclusion in Rio de Janeiro in the next few days.

The New York Times

The investigation into Madeleine McCann, the British girl who disappeared last May, just before her fourth birthday, from a hotel room in the southern Algarve region, is "approaching the conclusion," said Portugal's justice minister, Alberto Costa.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "approaching conclusion" to signal the impending end of a discussion, report, or project phase. This alerts the audience to prepare for final results or decisions.

Common error

Avoid using "approaching conclusion" in casual conversation. It's more suited for formal writing or presentations; simpler phrases like "almost done" work better informally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "approaching conclusion" functions as a transitional phrase, signaling that a process, argument, or discussion is nearing its end. As indicated by Ludwig, it is used to denote the temporal proximity to a final resolution or outcome.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

11%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "approaching conclusion" serves as a signal that something is nearing its end. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in formal contexts such as news and media. While "approaching conclusion" is not as frequent as other similar phrases, understanding its proper usage helps in maintaining clarity and professionalism in writing. Consider alternatives like "drawing to a close" or "nearing completion" for variety, but avoid using it in overly casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drawing to a close

Emphasizes the gradual ending of an event or process.

nearing completion

Highlights the near-finished state of a task or project.

coming to an end

A general way of saying something is finishing.

reaching its final stage

Focuses on the progression to the last phase of a process.

on the verge of ending

Implies being very close to the termination point.

in the home stretch

An idiomatic expression for the final part of a race or project.

winding down

Suggests a gradual reduction in activity before stopping.

close to resolution

Emphasizes that a problem or issue is almost solved.

heading towards termination

A more formal way of indicating that something is ending.

nearing its culmination

Highlights the achievement of a final, decisive point.

FAQs

What does "approaching conclusion" mean?

The phrase "approaching conclusion" means that something is nearing its end or final result. It suggests that a process, discussion, or event is almost complete.

What can I say instead of "approaching conclusion"?

You can use alternatives like "drawing to a close", "nearing completion", or "coming to an end" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "approaching conclusion" in a formal report?

Yes, "approaching conclusion" is appropriate for formal reports. It clearly indicates that the analysis or discussion is nearing its final stage.

How is "approaching conclusion" different from "reaching a conclusion"?

"Approaching conclusion" suggests that the end is near, but not yet reached. "Reaching a conclusion" implies that the final decision or result has already been determined.