as winter approaches

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as winter approaches" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a time frame or a change in circumstances that occurs as winter gets closer. Example: "As winter approaches, many people start preparing their homes for the colder months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The day had warmed up by now (it was almost 3) and I had that delicious sense of basking in summer weather as winter approaches.

The New York Times - Arts

Broodmare services will begin to climb as Winter approaches and the foaling season begins (late Winter through Spring).

Bplans

As winter approaches, most loons will migrate to the coast and to the south to winter at sea.

Huffington Post

As winter approaches in Licki Citluk, Djuro Pjevac is unimpressed.

The New York Times

Reduce as winter approaches or rhizomes may rot.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As winter approaches, demand for fuel and food will rise.

The Economist

There is beauty here, but desolation too, and we feel that particularly now, as winter approaches.

The Guardian - Travel

Yugoslavia desperately needs foreign currency to purchase imports, particularly as winter approaches.

The New York Times

Energy stocks were up, as well, on persistent concerns about fuel costs as winter approaches.

The New York Times

Imagine the desolation of the Arctic environment around it, getting harsher as winter approaches.

The Guardian

And as winter approaches, tent cities will no longer be viable.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as winter approaches" to set a temporal context, often implying a change in conditions or necessary preparations. For example, "As winter approaches, remember to winterize your car."

Common error

While "as winter approaches" is a common phrase, ensure it's relevant to the topic. Overusing seasonal references when they don't contribute meaningfully can make your writing seem cliché or forced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as winter approaches" functions as an adverbial phrase of time, setting the temporal context for the main clause. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a grammatically correct way to introduce a timeframe related to the arrival of winter. The phrase often suggests a change or preparation in anticipation of the season.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as winter approaches" serves as an adverbial phrase of time, indicating a period leading up to winter. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its widespread usage in various contexts. It's most frequently found in News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias, with a neutral register. When using the phrase, remember that it sets a temporal context, often implying change or necessary preparations. Avoid overuse in contexts where the seasonal reference isn't relevant. Consider alternatives like "with the coming of winter" or "as winter draws near" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as winter draws near

Emphasizes the gradual approach of winter.

with the coming of winter

More formal and literary than the original phrase.

winter's arrival is close

Focuses on the arrival event.

with winter just around the corner

More colloquial and less formal.

winter is on the horizon

More metaphorical, suggesting winter is imminent.

as the cold season advances

Emphasizes the advance of cold weather.

the winter season is nearing

More descriptive, highlighting the season itself.

in anticipation of winter

Highlights preparation for winter.

approaching the winter months

Focuses on the duration of winter.

the advent of winter is near

More formal and somewhat archaic.

FAQs

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

You can use "as winter approaches" to indicate a time frame or a shift in circumstances concurrent with the coming of winter. For example, "As winter approaches, many animals prepare for hibernation".

What are some alternatives to "as winter approaches"?

Alternatives include "with the coming of winter", "as winter draws near", or "winter is on the horizon", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "as winter approach" instead of "as winter approaches"?

No, "as winter approach" is grammatically incorrect. The verb must agree with the subject "winter", so the correct form is "as winter approaches".

What is the difference between "as winter approaches" and "in winter"?

"As winter approaches" indicates the period leading up to winter, suggesting an impending change. "In winter" refers to the winter season itself. For example, "As winter approaches, we prepare for snow. In winter, we enjoy skiing".