as it approaches

USAGE SUMMARY

"as it approaches" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to describe the gradual development of an event. For example, "The project deadline is quickly approaching as it approaches the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The Old Vic theatre is planning a major refurbishment as it approaches its bicentennial year.

The Guardian

As it approaches its conclusion, however, some of the excitement can dissipate.

The New York Times

A traditional Ciceronian period contracts as it approaches its climax and comes composedly to rest.

The New York Times - Books

But even they may be surprised by the turn the story takes as it approaches its climax.

The New York Times - Books

The program's failures appear to be a sweeping setback for the administration as it approaches its final year in office.

The New York Times

Doctors discuss problems in the NHS as it approaches its 20th birthday.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Are there any thoughts there as it approaches?

Huffington Post

It turns to the west with the number of residences increasing as it approaches Easton.

Wikipedia

As it approaches the surface, the mouse should expand its forepaws to reach the floor.

DMM Disease Models and Mechanisms

Gold is encountering some problems as it approaches $460.

Forbes

The highway continues further along, meandering toward the northeast as it approaches Port Austin.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as it approaches" to describe a gradual change or build-up to an event, allowing the reader to visualize the progression.

Common error

Avoid using "as it approaches" in excessively passive sentences. Instead, opt for active voice to make your writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "The deadline was feared as it approached", try "They feared the approaching deadline".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as it approaches" functions as a prepositional phrase, often introducing an adverbial clause. It modifies a verb by providing context about the timing or manner of an action, indicating that something is in the process of nearing a specific point or condition. Ludwig's examples show diverse uses, from describing events nearing completion to objects getting closer in space.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as it approaches" is a versatile phrase, correctly used to describe the process of nearing a specific point or condition. Its grammatical status is correct, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, and it enjoys widespread usage across diverse contexts. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, awareness of its passive voice constructions is recommended. Common alternatives include "as it nears" or "when it draws closer". The numerous examples from Ludwig underscore its applicability in describing the gradual change, building anticipation, or context-setting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as it nears

Focuses on physical proximity and nearing a location or object, changing the verb.

when it draws closer

Emphasizes the drawing closer aspect, adding a temporal dimension and using a different verb.

as it comes closer

Highlights the action of approaching, adding intensity and using a different word order.

on its approach

Shifts the focus to the approach itself, changing the structure to a noun phrase.

as it advances

Implies forward movement, particularly in a progressive or strategic context and uses a different verb.

while getting closer

Emphasizes the progressive action of becoming near, and uses a different verb.

in the lead-up to it

Highlights the period of time before an event, and modifies the phrase.

with the advent of

Suggests the arrival or beginning of something, it's a more formal alternative.

before it arrives

Focuses on the moment before arrival, and emphasizes the end state.

leading up to it

Highlights the events and actions leading up to something, and changes verb.

FAQs

How can I use "as it approaches" in a sentence?

You can use "as it approaches" to describe something nearing a specific point in time or space. For example, "The end of the fiscal year is approaching, so budget reviews are necessary" or "The car slows down "as it approaches" the intersection".

What are some alternatives to "as it approaches"?

Alternatives to "as it approaches" include "as it nears", "when it draws closer", or "as it comes closer" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "as it approaches" formal or informal?

"As it approaches" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, as shown in the examples from various sources.

How does "as it approaches" differ from "when it approaches"?

"As it approaches" suggests a gradual process of nearing something, while "when it approaches" implies a specific point in time. For example, "As it approaches the station, the train slows down" suggests a continuous action, whereas "When it approaches the station, the train will stop" indicates a future action at a precise moment.