approaching the end of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "approaching the end of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is nearing its conclusion or final stages. Example: "As we are approaching the end of the project, it's important to finalize all outstanding tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Congress is now approaching the end of that temporary "fix".

The New York Times

Greece is approaching the end of an odyssey.

The Guardian

Mel is approaching the end of his career.

The Guardian - Film

We could be approaching the end of that contraction".

The New York Times

In this configuration, numerical results show hydrodynamic unsteady properties approaching the end of the laminar regime.

Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry

"We and the rest of Europe are approaching the end of the tunnel," Mr. Monti said.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, London's congestion charging system is approaching the end of its first year of operation.

The Guardian - Tech

Mr. Newhouse, in his 80s, was approaching the end of his career.

The New York Times

A senior politician has a child approaching the end of primary school, usually in London.

The Guardian

As a student approaching the end of sixth form, I think she is right.

The Guardian - Opinion

I am once again approaching the end of another fixed-term research contract.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "approaching the end of", ensure the context clearly defines what is ending. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity. For example, "approaching the end of the fiscal year" is more precise than just "approaching the end".

Common error

Avoid using "approaching the end of" without specifying what is concluding. This lack of context can confuse the reader. Instead of saying "We are approaching the end of it", specify, "We are approaching the end of the project".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "approaching the end of" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb to indicate a state of nearing completion or conclusion. Ludwig confirms its correct usage. It specifies that something is in the process of coming to its final stage, as demonstrated in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "approaching the end of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that indicates something is nearing its conclusion. According to Ludwig, the expression is correct and usable in written English. It is prevalent in various contexts, including news, academic writing, and scientific reports. While versatile, it's best practice to provide clear context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "nearing completion" or "drawing to a close" can be used to add variety to your writing. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearing the completion of

Replaces "approaching" with "nearing" and "end" with "completion", focusing on the act of finishing.

drawing to a close

Uses a more figurative expression to indicate the conclusion.

coming to a conclusion

Emphasizes the arrival at a final decision or result.

reaching its final stages

Highlights the progression into the last steps of a process.

in the final stretch

An idiomatic expression indicating the last part of a race or task.

on the verge of completion

Suggests being very close to finishing something.

nearing its termination

A more formal way of saying something is ending.

at the tail end of

Indicates being in the final part or section.

winding down

Describes a gradual reduction in activity before stopping completely.

close to finishing

A simple and direct way of expressing that something is almost done.

FAQs

How can I use "approaching the end of" in a sentence?

You can use "approaching the end of" to describe something nearing its conclusion. For example, "The company is "approaching the end of" its fiscal year", or "The construction project is "approaching the end of" its timeline".

What are some alternatives to "approaching the end of"?

Some alternatives include "nearing the completion of", "drawing to a close", or "coming to a conclusion", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "approaching to the end of" instead of "approaching the end of"?

No, the correct phrase is "approaching the end of". The preposition "to" is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect in this context. Using "approaching the end of" maintains proper grammatical structure.

What's the difference between "approaching the end of" and "at the end of"?

"Approaching the end of" indicates that something is nearing its conclusion, while "at the end of" signifies that something has already concluded. For example, "We are "approaching the end of" the quarter" means the quarter is almost over, whereas "We are at the end of the quarter" means the quarter has finished.