are fast approaching

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are fast approaching" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe things that are almost here or about to happen soon. For example: "The holidays are fast approaching; I can't wait to spend time with my family!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Elections are fast approaching.

Independent

Numerous deadlines are fast approaching.

The Economist

The midterm elections are fast approaching.

The New Yorker

THEY are fast approaching 1m and their future is bleak.

The Economist

But deadlines for judicial reform are fast approaching.

The Economist

For many borrowers, those later years are fast approaching.

The New York Times

Another reason is that certain ominous dates are fast approaching.

The New York Times

We are fast approaching the absolute limit of viability.

The Guardian

"I think we are fast approaching the critical point".

The New York Times

For now, however, big games are fast approaching for Yedlin and the Sounders.

The New York Times

In The Hague these days, we are fast approaching such a point.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are fast approaching" to create a sense of urgency or anticipation when discussing deadlines, events, or milestones.

Common error

While acceptable, avoid using "are fast approaching" excessively in highly formal or academic papers; opt for more precise language like "will occur shortly" or "are imminent" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are fast approaching" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present continuous tense. It indicates that something is in the process of nearing, suggesting a progression towards a specific point in time. Ludwig AI shows that this is a common and accepted phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are fast approaching" is a grammatically correct and widely used verb phrase indicating the imminence of an event or deadline. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. It is most commonly found in News & Media contexts and serves to create a sense of urgency or anticipation. While suitable for general use, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic writing. Remember to use it to emphasize the nearness of an event while considering the overall tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are rapidly nearing

Replaces "fast" with "rapidly", intensifying the sense of speed in approach.

are quickly drawing near

Uses "drawing near" for a slightly more figurative sense of approach, replacing "approaching".

are nearly upon us

Emphasizes the feeling of being overtaken by an event that is close in time.

are coming soon

A simpler and more direct way of expressing the nearness of an event.

are imminent

Replaces the entire phrase with a single adjective, indicating an impending event.

will arrive shortly

Focuses on the arrival aspect, indicating that something is due to happen soon.

are closing in

Implies the reduction of distance between a moving object and the subject, or to denote the coming conclusion of something.

are on the horizon

A more metaphorical expression indicating that something is becoming visible or likely to happen soon.

are just around the corner

An idiomatic expression emphasizing the closeness of the event in time.

are in the offing

Suggests something is likely to happen or appear soon.

FAQs

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

You can use "are fast approaching" to indicate that a particular event, deadline, or situation is very near. For example, "The holidays "are fast approaching", so it's time to start planning."

What phrases are similar to "are fast approaching"?

Similar phrases include "are rapidly nearing", "are quickly drawing near", or "are imminent" depending on the specific context.

Is "are fast approaching" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, in highly formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "will occur shortly" or "are imminent" for a more refined tone.

What's the difference between "are fast approaching" and "are just around the corner"?

"Are fast approaching" is a more general way to indicate that something is nearing. "Are just around the corner" is an idiom that emphasizes that something is very close in time or distance, making it more informal and emphatic.