close to expiration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to expiration" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to items, such as food or documents, that are nearing their expiration date. Example: "Please check the milk in the fridge; it is close to expiration and should be used soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

That may sound cheap, but since most traders own contracts close to expiration, they incur such costs several times a year to stay in the game.

Forbes

If there is an excess of water in the package, the meat may have been mishandled, stored at incorrect temperatures or close to expiration.

WikiHow

This person said that in the fall of last year, the Salomon broker became extremely insistent that the options be exercised, even though none were close to expiration.

The New York Times

"Not only did we appreciate the gesture, it was nice of them to assist in our field research, as the majority of the K-cups were too close to expiration to be sold through normal retail channels," Mr. Einhorn said, suggesting that the company had a bloated inventory.

The New York Times

"My patience is close to expiration," another warned.

Forbes

If you have ever bought options, you may have noticed that at a certain point close to expiration, the market seems to stop moving anywhere.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

While I'm not really close to an expiration date on my working life, I find that my sights are focused on it with greater intensity.

Huffington Post

As a practical matter, that delay has allowed some potential violations to draw closer to expiration under statutes of limitation.

The New York Times

The 365-day moving average for the contract closest to expiration is at $32.97, the highest since futures in New York began trading in 1983.

The New York Times

Coordination is important, but it seems a far cry from a hard-charging prosecution, especially as potential violations draw closer to expiration under statutes of limitation for financial crimes.

The New York Times

The new rule adopted on Tuesday would enforce spot-month position limits, or limits on the contracts closest to expiration, prohibiting traders from acquiring more than 25 percent of the deliverable supply for a given commodity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In financial contexts, use "close to expiration" to signal the need to take action on contracts or options before they become worthless.

Common error

Avoid assuming that items are immediately unusable the moment they hit their expiration date. "Close to expiration" simply means quality may begin to decline, not that the item is necessarily unsafe or ineffective. Use your judgment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to expiration" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes the state of something nearing its expiration date. Ludwig AI shows examples in various contexts, such as food, contracts, and even personal feelings.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close to expiration" is a common and correct way to describe something that is nearing its expiration date. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves primarily to inform or warn, prompting a decision or action regarding the item in question. While the phrase has a neutral register, its presence is more frequent in News & Media, Wiki, and Scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you consider whether a more precise alternative might be more appropriate, depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearing its expiry

Focuses on the act of approaching the expiration date.

almost expired

Highlights the nearly completed process of expiring.

approaching the expiration date

Emphasizes the movement toward the expiration date.

expiring soon

Indicates the imminence of the expiration.

on the verge of expiring

Suggests being at the brink of expiration.

about to lapse

Implies a coming cessation of validity.

with a limited shelf life remaining

Highlights the short duration of usability left.

nearly out of date

Focuses on the nearing end of being current.

becoming obsolete

Indicates the process of becoming outdated.

reaching its sell-by date

Highlights the nearing of the date recommended for sale.

FAQs

How can I use "close to expiration" in a sentence?

You can use "close to expiration" to describe items that are nearing their expiration date. For example, "The milk is "close to expiration", so we should use it soon."

What is a good alternative to "close to expiration"?

Alternatives include "nearing its expiry", "almost expired", or "expiring soon". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "expiring soon" and "close to expiration"?

While both phrases indicate that something is nearing its expiration date, "expiring soon" implies a more imminent timeframe, whereas "close to expiration" suggests a broader, less urgent timeframe.

When should I be concerned about items "close to expiration"?

You should be mindful of items "close to expiration" to prevent waste or ensure effectiveness, particularly with perishable goods or time-sensitive documents. Check the specific item for guidance on usage and safety.