are already approaching

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are already approaching" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is in the process of nearing or getting closer to a particular point or situation. Example: "The deadlines for the project are already approaching, so we need to finalize our plans soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Architects are already approaching the company with ideas.

The New York Times

In the virtual world, nations are already approaching the same compromise.

The Guardian - Tech

However, engine designs are already approaching the theoretical limits of their current architectures.

MIT Technology Review

But it is true, of course, we are already approaching the end of our activity in the coming years".

The New York Times

And because graduates of Teachers College and N.Y.U. are in demand at high-performing schools, where test scores are already approaching the top of the scale, they may have a harder time showing improvement.

The New York Times

Emmott's short, highly accessible and vividly illustrated book marshals compelling evidence that "entire global ecosystems are not only capable of suffering a catastrophic tipping point, but are already approaching such a transition".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

"The bombers were already approaching".

The Guardian

It was already approaching midnight in Europe.

The New Yorker

It is already approaching $4 in some places.

The New York Times

Now, that plan was meeting community resistance, too, and their legal fees were already approaching $200,000.

The New York Times

Ms. Hughes nodded toward the meter, which was already approaching $10 after only a few minutes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are already approaching" to convey a sense of inevitability or that progress is underway and nearing a significant point. It's suitable for describing deadlines, milestones, or changing conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "are already approaching" when referring to events that have already occurred. This phrase implies ongoing action leading to a future point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are already approaching" functions as a verb phrase in the present continuous tense. It describes an action that is currently in progress and moving closer to a specific point in the future. Ludwig examples show its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are already approaching" is a versatile and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe an ongoing action nearing a specific point or goal. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage in various contexts, from news and media to science. Common contexts include emphasizing the inevitability of deadlines, milestones, or changing conditions. While generally neutral in register, it’s important to avoid misusing the tense by applying it to past events. Considering similar options like "are nearing" and "are getting close to" can further refine your expression based on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are nearing

Focuses on the act of getting closer, simplifying the progressive aspect.

are getting close to

Emphasizes proximity, using a more informal tone.

are drawing near to

Uses a more formal and literary tone to express approaching.

are converging on

Implies that multiple elements are moving towards a single point or outcome.

are heading towards

Highlights the direction of movement or progress.

are advancing towards

Suggests a more active or forceful movement toward something.

are progressing towards

Focuses on the gradual development and movement toward a goal.

are on the verge of

Indicates that something is very close to happening or being achieved.

are about to reach

Emphasizes the imminence of reaching a particular point or state.

are fast approaching

Adds emphasis on the speed of the approach.

FAQs

How can I use "are already approaching" in a sentence?

This phrase indicates that something is in the process of nearing or getting closer to a particular point or situation. For instance, "The deadlines for the project "are already approaching", so we need to finalize our plans soon."

What are some alternatives to "are already approaching"?

You can use alternatives like "are nearing", "are getting close to", or "are drawing near to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is already approaching" instead of "are already approaching"?

The correctness depends on the subject. Use "is" with singular subjects (e.g., "The deadline is already approaching") and "are" with plural subjects (e.g., "The deadlines "are already approaching"").

What's the difference between "are already approaching" and "are about to reach"?

"Are already approaching" indicates an ongoing process of getting closer, while "are about to reach" suggests that the point of arrival is imminent. The former emphasizes the journey, the latter the near arrival.