close to expiring

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to expiring" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is almost done or almost completed, especially when referring to a deadline or a timeline. For example, you could say "The deadline for the project is close to expiring, so we need to hurry up and finish it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

The closing had to be Monday because the client's 1031 Exchange expired that Tuesday.

Huffington Post

Rugby was "very, very close" to expiring, Eugster said.

The New York Times - Sports

Favre said his body would give out before his arm ever did, though neither one seems close to expiring.

The New York Times - Sports

The Knicks' season is close to expiring because they blew a 37-19 second-quarter leandand lost by 88-79 on Wednesday in Game 5.

The New York Times - Sports

After a startlingly rotten performance at St Mary's, Newcastle lie bottom of the Premier League and patience with Alan Pardew seems close to expiring.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's hard to understand he was that close to expiring, and then wins the biggest event of the year," Chase said.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

A node may receive and enqueue a packet whose remaining lifetime is close to expire.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

And the pricing decays with time as ad inventory gets closer to expiring, so that an ad for tomorrow is cheaper than an ad for next month.

TechCrunch

Finally, Stars is dappled with ripples of guitar alongside more of those sighing-close-to-expiring vocals.

The Guardian - Music

The closer a patent gets to expiring, the less enthusiastic companies can get about advertising.

The New York Times

At that point, Group Council was the only malpractice carrier that remained in dire straits, and the moratorium on closing such companies was about to expire.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing deadlines, use "close to expiring" to create a sense of urgency. For example, "The offer is only valid this week and is getting "close to expiring".

Common error

Avoid using "close to expiring" when describing events that conclude naturally, rather than through a set deadline. For instance, it's better to say "The project is nearing completion" instead of "The project is close to expiring" unless there is a specific deadline or timeframe.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to expiring" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes the state of something nearing the end of its validity or usability. As Ludwig AI points out, it follows standard grammar rules and is readily understood.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

25%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close to expiring" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something nearing its expiration date. Ludwig AI analysis indicates its frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general information. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with situations where a specific expiration or deadline is relevant. Consider alternatives like "almost expired" or "nearing its expiration" for nuanced meanings, but ensure the term is appropriately used, especially to avoid misapplication in contexts lacking set deadlines. The phrase functions to inform and occasionally prompt action regarding an impending end date.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearing its expiration

Focuses on the process of approaching the expiration date.

almost expired

Implies the expiration has nearly occurred.

on the verge of expiring

Emphasizes imminence and a critical state.

about to lapse

Focuses on a formal ending or termination.

drawing to a close

Describes a gradual ending process.

running out

Implies a limited resource or time remaining.

becoming invalid

Focuses on the loss of validity or legal standing.

reaching its end

Highlights the completion or termination of something.

in its final stages

Focuses on the last period or steps before completion.

nearing completion

Focuses on the state of approaching completion or finalization.

FAQs

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

You can use "close to expiring" to describe something that is nearing its end or about to become invalid. For example, "The food in the fridge is "close to expiring", so we should use it soon" or "My passport is "close to expiring", I need to renew it.

What phrases are similar to "close to expiring"?

Alternatives include "nearing its expiration", "almost expired", or "on the verge of expiring" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "close to expire" instead of "close to expiring"?

While "close to expire" might be understood, "close to expiring" is more grammatically correct and commonly used. The -ing form emphasizes the ongoing nature of the process, which is typically what you want to convey.

What's the difference between "close to expiring" and "expired"?

"Close to expiring" means something is nearing its expiration date, while "expired" means it is already past its expiration date and no longer valid or usable.