close to deadlines

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to deadlines" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to tasks or projects that are approaching their due dates. Example: "I often find myself working late at night when I'm close to deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The development of the Neon Genesis Evangelion series ran close to deadlines throughout its production run.

Wikipedia

Applying too close to deadlines is stressful and makes it more difficult to prepare well thought out applications.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

They work close to deadline.

The New York Times - Arts

They envisage a nightmare scenario in which stories would be repeatedly pulled, close to deadline.

Independent

"When it gets too close to deadline, some can't paint, they get blocked," she said.

The New York Times

We journalists had been waiting for it, close to deadline, when suddenly it disappeared from the schedules.

The Guardian - Sport

"Often … it depends on circumstances (how close to deadline, how many words, if I had interviewed the scientists, how easy to get the paper etc).

The Guardian

When it was close to deadline, and the whole office was typing, it sounded as if the room was going to take off.

The Guardian

While the news broke close to deadline for many Arab papers, a journalism expert here said concern about protecting Americans from copycat killings was the main reason for the scant coverage.

The New York Times

With a couple of very rare exceptions – when I am writing something that will almost certainly make only a nib [news in brief], or when exceptionally busy and close to deadline.

The Guardian

In the midst of filing legal papers close to deadline, I called my parents' office to choose a train that would get them to us in time for dinner and the show.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "close to deadlines", ensure the context clearly indicates what the deadlines pertain to. For example: "The team was working close to deadlines for the project's first phase."

Common error

Avoid using "close to deadlines" when you mean deadlines have already passed. The phrase indicates nearness, not lateness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to deadlines" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause, indicating the temporal proximity to specified deadlines. It provides context regarding timing and urgency, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close to deadlines" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase used to indicate the nearing of specified deadlines. As Ludwig AI highlights, its meaning implies a sense of urgency or pressure and is versatile in its use across news, academic, and professional contexts. While not the most common phrase, it provides clear temporal context and is well-supported by authoritative sources. While acceptable in most types of writing, consider using more formal alternatives like "nearing deadlines" for strictly professional or academic purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearing deadlines

Focuses on the act of approaching the deadlines.

approaching due dates

Replaces "deadlines" with "due dates", maintaining the same meaning.

facing imminent deadlines

Emphasizes the closeness and inevitability of the deadlines.

under time pressure

Shifts the focus to the feeling of stress associated with impending deadlines.

up against the clock

An idiomatic expression indicating a race against time to meet deadlines.

on a tight schedule

Highlights the limited amount of time available before deadlines.

racing against time

Similar to "up against the clock", focusing on the urgency.

in the final stretch

Emphasizes the last part of a project or task before the deadline.

in crunch time

Refers to a period of intense work close to a deadline.

at the eleventh hour

An idiomatic way to describe something happening very late, just before the deadline.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "close to deadlines" to sound more formal?

In more formal contexts, you might use phrases like "nearing the deadlines", "approaching due dates", or "facing imminent deadlines".

What does it mean to be "close to deadlines"?

Being "close to deadlines" means that a particular task, project, or event is nearing its scheduled completion or submission date, often implying a sense of urgency or pressure.

Is it better to say "close to the deadline" or "close to deadlines"?

The choice between "close to the deadline" and "close to deadlines" depends on the context. Use "close to the deadline" when referring to a single, specific deadline. Use "close to deadlines" when referring to multiple or recurring deadlines.

What are some common feelings associated with being "close to deadlines"?

Common feelings include stress, pressure, urgency, and a need for increased focus and efficiency. It can also lead to longer work hours and a prioritization of tasks.