as it got closer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as it got closer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that is approaching or becoming more imminent. Example: "The sound of the train grew louder as it got closer, echoing through the valley."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

If there was an intrinsic field, Philae would have seen its strength increase as it got closer to the surface, and decrease as it moved away (after the glancing blow, it moved 240m above the surface).

BBC

As it got closer, the helicopter began spinning in very tight circles.

The New York Times

As it got closer to 7, the periods of no rain got less and less.

The New York Times - Sports

"As it got closer, we realized that it was a person on fire," Ms. Grautt said.

The New York Times

"As it got closer, I just didn't have the time to prepare that I thought I would.

The New York Times - Arts

"As it got closer and closer to the target, it was like 'Where is it?' " she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

The sun was still up as it got close to 8 p.m.

The New York Times

As it got close to 11, Mr. Vaglio set down his mallets, picked up a mandolin, and played an Italian folksong called "Malafemmina".

The New York Times

In general, the modulus of elasticity tended to decrease as it moved away from the fixed end (as it got close to the free end.

International Journal of Geo-Engineering

"And then, as it got close, it was really shocking.

Huffington Post

Once it is within the cage, the motion is restricted by the local electrostatic fields and its diffusion coefficient decreases as it gets closer to the protein.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as it got closer" to create a sense of anticipation or impending change in a narrative or descriptive context. It effectively conveys the feeling of something imminent or approaching.

Common error

Avoid using "as it got closer" when the subject is not clearly defined. Ensure the 'it' has a clear antecedent in the sentence or paragraph to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as it got closer" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner or circumstance of an action. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct. It sets the stage for an event or situation to unfold.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Arts

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as it got closer" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adverbial phrase that sets the stage for an approaching event, object, or deadline. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and general usability. It is primarily used in News & Media, Scientific, and Sports contexts, creating a sense of anticipation. When using this phrase, make sure that "it" refers clearly to a subject in order to prevent confusion. Some alternatives include "as it approached" or "as it neared". This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as it approached

Focuses on the act of nearing, with a slightly more formal tone.

as it neared

Similar to "as it approached", but with a slightly different emphasis on spatial proximity.

when it drew near

Emphasizes the drawing or movement closer to a specific point, often used in descriptive contexts.

as it came closer

Adds emphasis on the action of coming, implying movement over a distance.

in proximity

More concise and formal way of describing something getting nearer.

on its approach

Focuses on the process of approaching a specific location or time.

upon approaching

Highlights the action of approaching as a condition for something else.

with its approach

Similar to "on its approach", indicating a specific condition or quality.

as the distance lessened

Emphasizes the reduction in distance between two points or objects.

as the gap narrowed

Focuses on a closing gap, suitable for describing changes in quantity, or abstract measures.

FAQs

How can I use "as it got closer" in a sentence?

You can use "as it got closer" to describe the approach of an object, event, or time. For example, "The music grew louder "as it got closer" to the stage" or "The deadline loomed "as it got closer".

What phrases can I use instead of "as it got closer"?

Alternatives include "as it approached", "as it neared", or "when it drew near". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is "as it got closer" formal or informal?

"As it got closer" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.

What's the difference between "as it got closer" and "as it gets closer"?

"As it got closer" refers to a past event or situation, while "as it gets closer" refers to a future or ongoing event. For example, "I worried "as it got closer" to the edge" (past) versus "I will prepare "as it gets closer" to the event" (future).