close to being

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to being" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is nearly at a certain state or condition. Example: "The project is close to being completed, and we expect to finish it by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He was really close to being selected.

Independent

This comes delightfully close to being true.

The New Yorker

Is this project close to being realized?

The New Yorker

It's close to being finished.

The New Yorker

QWIPs are close to being optimized.

Infrared Physics & Technology

"And he's not close to being done".

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's not even close to being over".

The New York Times

I'm close to being back to 100%.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's close to being dangerously unhinged.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's close to being like Limburger cheese".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's not even close [to being OK].

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "close to being" to precisely convey that something is in an advanced stage of progress or development, almost reaching a certain condition or state. This phrase adds a nuanced layer of meaning beyond simpler alternatives like "nearly" or "almost".

Common error

Avoid using "close to being" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "almost" or "nearly" may be more appropriate and sound more natural in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to being" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating that something is in a state of nearing completion, achievement, or resemblance. This is evident in the examples provided by Ludwig, where it describes various states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close to being" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to express that something is nearing a particular state or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider simpler alternatives in informal settings. When aiming for precise and nuanced communication about proximity to a certain state, "close to being" remains a reliable choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly being

Emphasizes the proximity to a state, differing by using "nearly" instead of "close to".

almost being

Indicates a slightly lesser degree of certainty compared to "close to being".

on the verge of being

Suggests imminence and a higher likelihood of the state occurring.

approaching being

Highlights the process of moving toward a particular state.

nearing being

Similar to approaching, but implies a shorter distance to the state.

bordering on being

Implies that a subject is almost crossing a certain line or threshold.

tantamount to being

Suggests that something is essentially equivalent to something else.

akin to being

Indicates a resemblance or similarity, rather than a strict nearness.

verging on being

Conveys the idea of something almost reaching a specific state, often with a negative connotation.

in the process of being

Focuses on the ongoing action rather than the proximity to the end state.

FAQs

What does the phrase "close to being" mean?

The phrase "close to being" means that something is nearing or approaching a particular state or condition. It indicates proximity to achieving a certain outcome or characteristic.

What are some alternatives to "close to being"?

Alternatives to "close to being" include "nearly being", "almost being", and "on the verge of being". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How formal is the phrase "close to being"?

The phrase "close to being" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it might sound slightly more formal than very simple alternatives like "almost". Use your judgment based on the overall tone of your writing.

Is it ever incorrect to use "close to being"?

While grammatically correct, "close to being" might be less suitable if a simpler word can convey the same meaning more clearly. Overusing it can make your writing sound convoluted.