close to being done

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to being done" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express an idea that something is almost finished. For example, "I'm close to being done with my essay" or "We're close to being done with the renovations".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

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

The New York Times - Magazine

"The deal is very close to being done".

BBC

"But people understand the job's not done, not even close to being done".

The New York Times

But the Europeans are close to being done with British muddling.

The New Yorker

A handful of other deals are described as close to being done.

The New York Times

As pasta gets close to being done, put the sauté pan over medium-low heat.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Tuesday, 5 47 p.m. | Updated This deal is getting closer to being done.

The New York Times

"We came closer to being done than anyone ever knew," Caplan says.

Forbes

Shaving my face blindly got easier as I got closer to being done with it.

Huffington Post

We're pretty much done with #FF and getting closer to being done with hashtags generally so can #TBT vanish into that same boringed-out internet-ether?

Vice

So the safe departure of the train from a station, including door closing, has to be done automatically.

Urban Rail Transit

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "close to being done" to convey a sense of near completion, but be mindful of the specific context. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "nearing completion" or "virtually complete".

Common error

Avoid using "close to being done" excessively in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more precise and professional language such as "nearing completion" or "approaching finalization" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to being done" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating the state of something nearing completion. Ludwig AI indicates its correct and frequent usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close to being done" is a common and grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to indicate that something is nearing completion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, it's essential to consider the specific context and opt for more formal alternatives like "nearing completion" or "almost finished" in academic or scientific writing. Remember to be mindful of the specific context and opt for the vocabulary that better suites it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost finished

A more direct and informal way of saying something is nearly complete.

virtually complete

Highlights the almost total state of completion, implying only minor tasks remain.

nearing completion

Focuses on the process of approaching completion, rather than the state itself.

in the final stages

Focuses on the progression to the final part of a process.

on the verge of completion

Emphasizes the imminence of completion, suggesting it's about to happen very soon.

nearly finalized

Indicates that something is almost in its ultimate, approved form.

drawing to a close

Suggests a gradual ending or finishing process.

approaching the finish line

An idiomatic expression that indicates the end of a task.

in the home stretch

An idiomatic expression indicating the final part of a task or project.

about to wrap up

Informal way of describing the nearing of the conclusion of something.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "close to being done"?

Being "close to being done" signifies that a task, project, or activity is nearing its completion. It suggests that the majority of the work has been accomplished, and only a small amount remains.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "close to being done"?

The phrase "close to being done" is suitable for both informal and neutral contexts. However, in formal or academic writing, you might prefer alternatives like "nearing completion" or "almost finished".

Are there any common mistakes to avoid when using "close to being done"?

While grammatically sound, avoid overusing "close to being done" in formal settings where more precise language is preferred. Also, ensure the context genuinely reflects near completion, not merely partial progress.

What are some alternative ways to say "close to being done"?

Alternatives include "nearing completion", "almost finished", "on the verge of completion", and "virtually complete". The best choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis.