are approaching

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are 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 approaches, we need to finalize our plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are approaching Syria.

The New York Times

The lads are approaching seventy.

The New Yorker

49ers are approaching midfield.

The Guardian - Sport

The baby-boomers are approaching retirement.

The Economist

Gas prices are approaching record highs.

The New York Times

We are approaching a moment of truth".

Independent

We are approaching the endgame.

The Guardian

Revenues are approaching $300 million.

The New York Times

Firefighting costs are approaching $89m.

The Guardian

Well, we are approaching Christmas.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Now they are approaching extinction.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are approaching", consider the context. It implies a movement in time or space towards a specific point. Ensure the sentence clearly specifies what is being approached, whether it's a deadline, a location, or a state.

Common error

Avoid using "are approaching" when you mean something has already been reached or achieved. The phrase indicates an ongoing process, not a completed action. Instead of "We are approaching the deadline, so we finished the project", say "We were approaching the deadline, so we finished the project" or "We have reached the deadline, and we have finished the project."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are approaching" functions as a verb phrase, specifically the present continuous tense of the verb "approach". It indicates an ongoing action of moving closer in space, time, or a figurative sense, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are approaching" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase that describes the act of moving closer to something in time, space, or concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and finds common application across various contexts, with a notable presence in news and media. When using "are approaching", ensure that the object being approached is clearly defined and that the context aligns with the ongoing nature of the action. Alternatives such as "are nearing" or "are drawing near" can be used to add nuanced meaning depending on the desired level of formality or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are nearing

Indicates a state of coming closer to a destination or deadline; suggests a smaller distance remaining.

are drawing near

Emphasizes the gradual reduction of distance and often carries a sense of anticipation or imminence.

are closing in on

Implies reducing the gap between two or more entities, can be used figuratively and literally.

are converging on

Highlights the act of multiple elements moving towards a common point or area.

are coming closer to

A more descriptive and less concise way of saying "are approaching", emphasizing the process of becoming closer.

are advancing towards

Suggests a forward progression and a proactive movement toward a specific target.

are heading towards

Implies a directed movement toward a destination but doesn't necessarily convey imminent arrival.

are verging on

Implies coming very close to a state or condition, often with the sense of being on the brink.

are on the verge of

Indicates an impending event or state change, highlighting the immediacy of the situation.

are getting close to

A more casual phrase for describing proximity, suitable for informal contexts.

FAQs

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

The phrase "are approaching" indicates movement closer to a specific point in time or space. For example, you could say, "The holidays "are approaching"" or "Storm clouds "are approaching" from the west".

What are some alternatives to "are approaching"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "are nearing", "are drawing near", or "are getting closer to" as alternatives to "are approaching".

Is there a difference between "are approaching" and "are arriving"?

Yes, "are approaching" indicates that something is moving closer but hasn't yet arrived, while "are arriving" means they are in the process of getting there or have already gotten there. "The guests "are approaching"" suggests they are on their way, whereas "The guests "are arriving"" means they are currently in the process of arriving or have started to arrive.

When is it appropriate to use "are approaching" in formal writing?

It is appropriate in formal writing to describe the progress or anticipation of an event, deadline, or target. For example, "The company's profits "are approaching" record levels" or "Negotiations "are approaching" a critical stage".