Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
close to final
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"close to final" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are near the end of a process or close to completing something, e.g. "We are close to finalizing the report."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(17)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
25 human-written examples
A constitutional amendment to restrict transfers is now close to final approval in Congress, having passed the Senate last week.
News & Media
That's when the Volt, expected to break cover this week in close to final form, is due to reach customers.
News & Media
Officials said delegates were close to final agreement on the plan, now that a time frame provision had been dropped.
News & Media
Mr. Trump's Seven Springs Golf Club, converting the lands bought from Rockefeller University that straddle three Westchester County towns, is close to final approvals.
News & Media
A strikingly similar damage topology has been found from both models up to load values close to final failure, in spite of the restraining assumptions of the TWB formulation.
Science
Sadly, Roach told me this in 2010, when another deal was close to final signature for a fight in a makeshift stadium of 40,000 that Bob Arum, the promoter, was planning to erect.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
35 human-written examples
He says they are "closer" to final solutions.
News & Media
Executives said the settlements bring Microsoft a step closer to final resolution of its legal entanglements.
News & Media
The announcement that there is a new draft, while far from final, indicates that the Iraqis are inching closer to final approval.
News & Media
In this paper, a close-to-final design of the pumps is being described.
Moreover, we show analysis results of cosmic-ray data recorded in situ at the ATLAS experimental site with final or close-to-final hardware.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "close to final" to indicate that a process or project is in its concluding stages, but not entirely complete. This implies a high degree of readiness but allows for minor adjustments.
Common error
Avoid using "close to final" when significant changes are still anticipated. Ensure that only minor revisions are expected to maintain credibility.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "close to final" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically describing nouns related to processes, agreements, or versions. It indicates the state of being near completion. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.
Frequent in
News & Media
44%
Science
32%
Formal & Business
12%
Less common in
Wiki
4%
Academia
4%
Reference
4%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "close to final" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that is nearing completion. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in written English. It serves as an adjectival modifier, conveying a state of near-finality. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for various writing styles. While effective, it's crucial to avoid using it when substantial changes are still anticipated. Alternatives such as "nearing completion" or "almost complete" offer similar meanings, allowing for nuanced expression. By understanding its function and context, writers can effectively employ the phrase "close to final" to convey the degree of completion with precision.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
nearly done
A simple and direct way to express that something is almost finished.
nearing completion
Focuses on the process of becoming complete, rather than the state of being near the end.
almost complete
Highlights the degree of completeness, emphasizing the small amount left to finish.
virtually finished
Emphasizes the practical completeness, even if minor details remain.
on the verge of completion
Suggests imminent completion, highlighting the anticipation of finishing.
in the home stretch
An idiomatic expression indicating the final part of a process or task.
drawing to a close
Emphasizes the approaching end, often used for events or periods of time.
in its final stages
Focuses on the phase of the process, rather than the overall completeness.
nearing resolution
Highlights the approaching solution or settlement of a problem or issue.
close to resolution
Indicates proximity to resolving a problem or issue, similar to "close to final".
FAQs
How can I use "close to final" in a sentence?
You can use "close to final" to describe a state where something is nearly complete, such as "The agreement is "close to final" and will be signed next week."
What's the difference between "close to final" and "final"?
"Close to final" suggests that something is nearly complete but may still require minor adjustments, while "final" indicates that it is completely finished and unchangeable.
What can I say instead of "close to final"?
You can use alternatives like "nearing completion", "almost complete", or "virtually finished" depending on the context.
Is it correct to say "almost close to final"?
While not grammatically incorrect, "almost close to final" can sound redundant. It's generally better to use either "close to final" or "almost final" for conciseness.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested