are close to doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are close to doing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is nearly ready to perform a specific action or task. Example: "We are close to doing the final review of the project before submission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

While Porto can celebrate a title, in Italy Milan feel they are close to doing likewise.

Independent

British firms that run group personal-pension plans, such as Sainsbury's, are close to doing this now.

The Economist

In the last six years, 10 hospitals in New Jersey have closed, and others are close to doing so.

The New York Times

But that is a luxury the Redskins might not be able to afford if they want to win at the highest level immediately, which this year's results indicate they are close to doing.

The New York Times - Sports

A vast quantity of solar panels, produced by companies that have already gone bankrupt from selling panels below cost or are close to doing so, is available at deeply discounted prices, as low as 30 euro cents a watt.

The New York Times

But though across much of Asia, the sons or daughters of colonial liberators or later leaders either hold high offices or are close to doing so, Aung San Suu Kyi, despite her background, never sought to lead.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But they are closer to doing so than at any previous point in more than a half century.

Huffington Post

"They were close to doing it".

The New York Times

We were close to doing those two things together.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was close to doing the same in the second half because of the pitch".

The New York Times - Sports

Gerry Adams, Sinn Fein's leader, this week indicated that his party was close to doing precisely that.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are close to doing" to convey that an action is likely to happen soon, but not immediately. This can be useful when discussing plans that are in their final stages.

Common error

Avoid using "are close to doing" when the action is already underway or virtually certain. Instead, use phrases like "are doing" or "will do" to more accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are close to doing" functions as a verb phrase indicating that an action is near completion or commencement. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable. The examples in Ludwig highlight its use across various domains, reinforcing its validity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are close to doing" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase indicating that an action is nearing completion. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's important to consider more precise alternatives in specific cases, especially where immediacy is overstated. When writing, using this phrase correctly helps convey an appropriate sense of anticipation and progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are on the verge of doing

Implies being at the very edge of starting an action.

are nearing the point of doing

Suggests a process of gradually approaching the action.

are about to do

Indicates immediate future action, a higher degree of certainty.

are on the cusp of doing

Emphasizes a transition point before the action.

are in the process of doing

Focuses on the ongoing nature of the action being close.

are getting ready to do

Highlights preparation and anticipation of the action.

are preparing to do

Stresses the planning and arrangement for the action.

are moving towards doing

Indicates a directional shift towards the action.

are nearing completion of

Specifically focuses on the act of finalizing a task.

are on track to do

Highlights the scheduled realization of a target or a goal.

FAQs

How can I use "are close to doing" in a sentence?

The phrase "are close to doing" indicates that someone or something is nearing the point of performing an action. For instance, you might say, "They "are close to doing" a deal", meaning they are in the final stages of negotiating an agreement.

What phrases are similar in meaning to "are close to doing"?

Similar phrases include "are about to do", "are on the verge of doing", or "are nearing completion of". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

When is it inappropriate to use "are close to doing"?

Avoid using "are close to doing" when the action has already begun or is definitively scheduled to happen. In such cases, more precise phrases like "are doing" or "will do" would be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "are close to doing" and "are going to do"?

"Are going to do" implies a planned future action. "Are close to doing" suggests that the action is in its final stages of preparation and is likely to happen soon. The former focuses on intent, while the latter focuses on progress. Thus, "are close to doing" indicates a higher degree of imminence than "are going to do".