as it nears

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as it nears" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something approaching a certain point in time or space. Example: "The excitement in the room grew palpable as it nears the start of the concert."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By becoming a member you will help support the Guardian as it nears its bicentenary.

The Guardian

Work takes on a different meaning as it nears its likely end.

The New York Times

The Spurs' season is coming full circle as it nears its end.

The New York Times

As it nears its gilded goal, the union may be simultaneously alienating itself from its traditional rooting sections on the street and in City Hall.

The New York Times

The final act of Johnny Cash's career is a textbook case of what rock has gained and lost as it nears its 60th birthday.

Independent

Google's online translation tool hit a major milestone today as it nears its 10th anniversary.

TechCrunch

How much do you know about Now That's What I Call Music as it nears its 100th edition?

BBC

Sure, the development is seemingly outsourced now, but it's still being supported even as it nears its 2 year old birthday this coming September.

TechCrunch

Is the veteran band's appeal, as it nears its third decade in rock, simply nostalgia..

Los Angeles Times

Another service, CrowdSpring, said revenue has soared as it nears its 45,000th listing in nearly seven years.

Los Angeles Times

The artist panel was a lively end to EDMBiz, a conference that continues to grow in influence as it nears its fifth year in existence.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "as it nears" with descriptive language to enhance the reader's understanding of the context.

Common error

Avoid using "near" as a direct verb without the "as it" construction when indicating proximity in time or progress. For example, instead of "The deadline nears", use "As the deadline nears".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as it nears" functions as a subordinating conjunction introducing a dependent clause. This clause modifies the main clause by providing a temporal context, indicating a gradual approach to a specific point or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as it nears" is a grammatically sound and frequently used conjunction phrase that indicates the progression towards a specific point in time, space, or condition. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it functions as a subordinating conjunction, offering temporal context. Its usage spans across various registers, making it appropriate for both formal and informal writing. The phrase is widely used in news, scientific and academic contexts. For alternative expressions, consider using phrases like "as it approaches" or "as it draws near" to maintain clarity and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as it approaches

Focuses on the action of getting closer without necessarily implying a final destination.

as it draws near

Emphasizes the gradual reduction of distance or time until a specific point.

as it gets closer

More informal way of expressing the idea of reduction in distance or time.

in anticipation of

Highlights the expectation and preparation for an upcoming event or moment.

leading up to

Focuses on the events and actions that precede a particular moment or event.

as the time comes

Refers specifically to the arrival or passing of a designated time.

on the horizon

Suggests an event or situation is impending or about to happen.

with the approach of

Highlights nearness of something, whether in time or space.

as it looms

Emphasizes an impending sense of threat or significance.

nearing

A more concise, gerund form expressing the approach to a point in time or space.

FAQs

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

The phrase "as it nears" is used to describe something approaching a specific point, whether in time, distance, or progress. For instance, "as it nears completion", or "as it nears the end".

What are some alternatives to "as it nears"?

Alternatives include phrases like "as it approaches", "as it draws near", or "as it gets closer". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "nearing" instead of "as it nears"?

Yes, "nearing" can often be used as a more concise alternative to "as it nears", but it might lack the descriptive power of the full phrase in certain contexts.

What is the difference between "as it nears" and "when it nears"?

"As it nears" implies a continuous process of approaching something, while "when it nears" suggests a specific point in time. For example, "as it nears completion" describes the progress toward finishing, while "when it nears completion" refers to the moment it is close to being finished.