close in on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close in on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe when someone or something is getting closer to something else. For example, "The fog was closing in on the mountain, causing strong winds and poor visibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tough resistance was not expected until Army and Marine troops began to close in on Baghdad.

The New York Times

Every time I tried to enter, the walls seemed to close in on me.

The New York Times - Style

How fortunate we are: the world does not close in on us.

The Guardian - Books

The circle shapes all around started to close in on me.

The Guardian

The bars seem to close in on me, like a comfort blanket.

The Guardian - Music

Academics are beginning to close in on some of these issues.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's no good thinking that globalisation is a justification to close in on yourself," he said.

The Guardian

Even Ford may close in on GM.

Forbes

Many investors expect other suitors soon to close in on Alcoa.

Forbes

Then it'll be time for Rosetta to close in on its target.

Science Magazine

The harder I fought against it, the more motherhood seemed to close in on me.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "close in on" when you want to describe a gradual reduction in distance between two entities, often implying a pursuit or nearing a goal. For instance, "Researchers are closing in on a cure for the disease".

Common error

Avoid using "close in on" when you mean to "close up", which suggests shutting down or sealing something. "The store is closing up for the night" is different from "The police are closing in on the suspect".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "close in on" primarily functions as a dynamic verb phrase, depicting an action of approaching or drawing nearer to a target. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across varied contexts. Examples in Ludwig showcase its application in both literal and figurative scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "close in on" is a versatile expression used to describe the action of approaching or nearing a target, whether physical or metaphorical. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to distinguish its meaning from similar phrases like "close up". Remember, "close in on" implies a gradual reduction in distance, often suggesting pursuit or the imminence of a goal, while "close up" means to shut down or seal. By keeping these nuances in mind, you can effectively use "close in on" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

converge on

Similar to "close in on" but implies multiple entities moving towards a single point simultaneously.

gain on

Specifically used in contexts of chasing or competition, suggesting reducing a lead.

draw near to

Implies reducing the distance to something but lacks the focused pursuit aspect of the query.

press in on

Implies a tightening or constricting movement, emphasizing pressure and confinement.

approach

This alternative suggests a general movement towards something, lacking the sense of encirclement implied by the query.

bear down on

Implies an imposing or threatening approach, adding intensity.

encircle

This suggests a complete surrounding of the target, which is a stronger action than the query.

creep up on

Suggests a stealthy or gradual approach, implying surprise or secrecy.

surround

Like "encircle", but it focuses on the act of establishing a perimeter.

encroach on

Suggests gradually intruding on something, often with negative connotations, adding the idea of an unwanted advance.

FAQs

How can I use "close in on" in a sentence?

Use "close in on" to describe someone or something moving nearer to a target. For example, "The detective was "closing in on" the truth" or "The deadline is "closing in on" us".

What's the difference between "close in on" and "surround"?

"Close in on" implies a gradual movement towards a target, while "surround" suggests completely encircling it. You "close in on" a suspect during a chase, but you surround a building to prevent escape.

Are there any formal alternatives to "close in on"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "approach", "converge on", or "draw near to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Converge on" is a good choice when several things are coming together.

When is it appropriate to use "close in on" metaphorically?

You can use "close in on" metaphorically when discussing progress towards a goal or understanding. For example, "Scientists are "closing in on" a solution to the problem" or "The team is "closing in on" a new deal".