as the time draws near

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as the time draws near" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an event or deadline is approaching. Example: "As the time draws near for the conference, we need to finalize our presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

I do think that as the time draws near, people will get more excited.

The New York Times

As the time draws near, my siblings and I vie to book bedrooms at home, so we get our mitts on a larger share of those precious jars.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He is obsessed with his vision of benign euthanasia, and unable to empathise with the growing repugnance of the population as the time draws near to put it into practice.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Lately, as the time drew near for reminding the donor that the gift was expiring, the man began getting letters asking the full name of the donor.

The New Yorker

As the time drew near for Kyler to get home from school, Trevyn began freaking out about the subterfuge.

Huffington Post

This incredible woman had devoted her career to giving so much "hope" helping other children, and as the time drew near for her to have her own family, suddenly that window of opportunity was closing unexpectedly and rapidly!

Huffington Post

When the time drew near, I booked my flights and arranged my accommodation.

The Guardian - Sport

When the time draws near to tell the story, start pretending to be anxious.

WikiHow

My friend Tamás and I were visiting his parents in Zánka, a village on the shore of Lake Balaton, and as the time drew near we stood chattering in the backyard, expectant but, as seems clear now, unprepared.

The New York Times - Travel

As the start time drew near, some settled into seats in front of a big screen at one end of the room as the sea outside glistened in the morning sun.

The New York Times - Sports

If the Europeans' comeback bid had fallen short, Olazábal's handling of Poulter, who finished 4-0, would have come under attack, as would the circumstances resulting in Rory McIlroy, Europe's top player, being left back at the team hotel Sunday as his tee time drew near as if he were Macaulay Culkin's character in "Home Alone".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as the time draws near" to create a sense of anticipation or urgency regarding an upcoming event or deadline. It works well in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "as the time draws near" when referring to events that are far in the future. This phrase implies an event is imminent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as the time draws near" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when something is happening or will happen. It sets a temporal context, indicating the imminence of a particular moment or event. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as the time draws near" is a versatile phrase used to express the approach of an event or deadline. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples from reliable sources demonstrating its widespread use in various contexts. While alternatives exist, this phrase effectively conveys a sense of anticipation or urgency. It's important to use it when referring to something that is imminently happening. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as the deadline approaches

Focuses specifically on a deadline rather than a general event.

as the date gets closer

A more literal and less formal alternative.

when the moment is at hand

Emphasizes the arrival of a specific moment or opportunity.

as we get closer to the time

A more conversational and less formal expression.

in the lead-up to

Highlights the period preceding an event, rather than the event itself.

in anticipation of

Focuses on the expectation or excitement leading up to an event.

in the time leading up to

Highlights the period before an event or deadline.

with the event looming

Suggests a sense of anticipation or potential apprehension.

as the appointed time arrives

More formal and emphasizes a pre-arranged time.

when the day is nigh

An archaic or literary alternative.

FAQs

How can I use "as the time draws near" in a sentence?

You can use "as the time draws near" to indicate that an event or deadline is approaching. For example: "As the time draws near for the conference, we need to finalize our presentation".

What can I say instead of "as the time draws near"?

You can use alternatives like "as the deadline approaches", "when the moment is at hand", or "in the lead-up to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "as time draws near"?

Yes, "as time draws near" is grammatically correct. However, the inclusion of "the" (as in "as the time draws near") can provide a slightly more specific or emphatic tone, especially when referring to a particular event or deadline.

What's the difference between "as the time draws near" and "as the time approached"?

"As the time draws near" suggests the event is still in the future but getting closer, while "as the time approached" implies the event is already in the past. The first expresses anticipation, the second, recollection.