as we approach

USAGE SUMMARY

"as we approach" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is happening or will happen as you get closer to a specific time or event. For example, "As we approach the start of the new school year, I'm feeling both excited and anxious."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As we approach them they start crying.

The Economist

As we approach Gibraltar, it will be 6 a.m.

The New York Times - Sports

As we approach the conventions, I'm filled with dread.

The New York Times

As we approach 9pm, the tension is nearly unbearable!

The Guardian - Music

The street grows busier as we approach the interstate.

The Guardian - Arts

As we approach Scranton, Pa., other riders join us.

The New York Times

That's not going to change as we approach the primary.

The Guardian - Opinion

As we approach the funeral, everyone pulls over".

The New York Times

The Internet's edges expand as we approach them.

The New York Times - Magazine

He doesn't move, or even glance back, as we approach.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Her ears twitch as we approach, but she's too weak to lift her head.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "as we approach" with specific dates or milestones to add clarity and precision to your writing. For instance, "As we approach the end of the quarter, sales figures will be closely monitored."

Common error

Avoid using "as we approach" repeatedly within a short span of text. This can make your writing sound monotonous. Instead, vary your sentence structure and use synonyms to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as we approach" functions as an adverbial clause of time, setting a temporal context for the main clause. It indicates that the action in the main clause is happening in relation to an approaching event or point in time. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is both correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as we approach" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to set a temporal context, creating a sense of anticipation or urgency. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. Predominantly found in news and media, formal business, and scientific contexts, it functions as an adverbial clause of time. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse and maintain variety in sentence structure. Consider using synonyms like "as we near" or "leading up to" for stylistic variation. The high expert rating underscores its reliability and authority in formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as we near

This alternative is a more concise way of expressing the same idea, using a different verb to convey proximity.

approaching

This alternative is a more direct and concise way of conveying the same meaning.

as we draw closer to

This alternative emphasizes the gradual decrease in distance, adding a sense of anticipation.

as we get closer

This alternative is a simpler, more literal expression of decreasing distance.

in anticipation of

This alternative shifts the focus to the expectation of an upcoming event, implying a proactive stance.

with the advent of

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the arrival or commencement of something significant.

leading up to

This alternative highlights the period of time immediately preceding an event, focusing on the preparatory stages.

on the horizon

This alternative uses a metaphorical expression to suggest that something is imminent or about to occur.

in the lead-up to

This option focuses on the preparatory period before a significant event, similar to 'leading up to'.

with the coming of

This alternative emphasizes the arrival of a season, event, or period.

FAQs

How can I use "as we approach" in a sentence?

Use "as we approach" to indicate the imminence of an event or milestone. For example, "As we approach the deadline, it's crucial to finalize the report."

What are some alternatives to "as we approach"?

You can use phrases like "as we near", "leading up to", or "with the advent of" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "as we are approaching" instead of "as we approach"?

While "as we are approaching" is grammatically correct, "as we approach" is generally more concise and commonly used, especially in formal writing.

What's the difference between "as we approach" and "when we approach"?

"As we approach" suggests a continuous process of getting closer to something, while "when we approach" implies a specific moment of arrival. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the process or the point in time.