close to being finished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to being finished" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a task or project that is nearly complete but not quite done yet. Example: "The report is close to being finished; I just need to add a few more details before submitting it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

It's close to being finished.

The New Yorker

But they aren't yet close to being finished.

The New York Times

A The John Jay College of Criminal Justice expansion project is close to being finished.

The New York Times

And inquiries into them aren't frivolous, "whiney," or unwarranted — or close to being finished.

The New Yorker

Homes are still flooded, and the clean-up from the destruction by the storm is not close to being finished.

The New York Times - Sports

"We knew about a possible fourth manuscript but I don't think we knew it was close to being finished.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Therefore, pooling studies are performed now in North America and Europe, which are close to be finished.

International Congress Series

The apartment building was closer to being finished than most of the neighboring structures.

The New Yorker

"I plan on having another single on Toolroom at least before the year ends," he says, "and my second album is getting closer and closer to being finished.

Vice

A slanted aluminum roof is common in outbuildings and you'll be that much closer to being finished.

WikiHow

Even if you only have 15 minutes to work on something, that's 15 minutes you're closer to being finished.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "close to being finished" when you want to express that something is in its final stages but requires a bit more work before it's fully complete. It softens the statement compared to saying something 'is finished'.

Common error

Avoid using "close to being finished" in every situation. Sometimes, a more active voice construction can be more concise and impactful. For example, instead of "The project is close to being finished", try "We are nearing completion of the project".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to being finished" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used as a predicate adjective following a linking verb (e.g., 'is', 'are', 'seems'). It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that the subject is in a state of near completion. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "close to being finished" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that something is nearing completion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's versatile enough for various contexts, with the highest prevalence in News & Media. When writing, ensure that the passive voice is not overused. Some of the most authoritative sources using this phrase are The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Guardian. Related phrases include "nearing completion", "almost complete", and "nearly done". By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate usage, you can effectively communicate the state of near completion in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost complete

Substitutes "close to being finished" with a shorter, more straightforward expression.

nearing completion

Replaces the more verbose phrase with a concise, direct alternative.

nearly done

A more informal way of saying something is almost finished.

on the verge of completion

Emphasizes the imminence of completion.

reaching the end

Simple and direct way to express something is nearly finished.

in the final stages

Focuses on the phase of the process rather than the state of completion.

approaching finalization

A more formal and technical alternative.

about to conclude

Highlights the concluding nature of the process.

drawing to a close

Uses a metaphorical expression to indicate nearing completion.

coming to fruition

Implies that something is developing well and about to be completed successfully.

FAQs

What does "close to being finished" mean?

The phrase "close to being finished" means that something is in its final stages and is almost complete, but still requires some additional work or attention before it can be considered fully done.

What are some alternatives to "close to being finished"?

You can use alternatives like "nearing completion", "almost complete", or "nearly done" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "close to finished" instead of "close to being finished"?

While "close to finished" is understandable, "close to being finished" is more grammatically complete. "Close to finished" is often used in informal contexts, but the inclusion of "being" makes the phrase more suitable for formal writing.

How can I use "close to being finished" in a sentence?

You can use "close to being finished" to describe the status of a project, task, or anything that is in the process of completion. For example, "The construction of the new library is close to being finished, and it should open to the public next month".