close to finalize

USAGE SUMMARY

"close to finalize" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is nearly complete or close to being finalized. For example, "We are close to finalizing the agreement between the two companies."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's look like there's more to come, too, with Ola telling media it is close to finalizing an additional $1 billion that would take the round's final close to $2.1 billion.

TechCrunch

"At this point we are very close to finalizing an agreement with St . Johns," he said.

The New York Times

Screening Room officials have told studio executives that they are close to finalizing a deal with AMC, according to Variety.

The Guardian - Film

The release of the figures raises the question of whether the ministry is getting close to finalizing a compensation scheme.

The New York Times

Financing will come from "private sources," Mr. Bennett said, adding that "we're very close to finalizing those arrangements now".

The New York Times

Mr. Gilpatric said his company has site approval and is close to finalizing a deal for a brand.

The New York Times

2 35 p.m. | Updated Comcast and HBO are close to finalizing a deal to make the HBO Go app available on Xbox, according to several people familiar with the negotiations.

The New York Times

"As stated previously, ownership is close to finalizing an agreement that would lead to a buyout of Brick City's share of the company".

The New York Times - Sports

ESPN reported last night that the Redskins were close to finalizing a deal to hire Foge Fazio, the Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator, and Ray Rhodes, the former Green Bay Packers coach.

The New York Times - Sports

The group is close to finalizing plans for Galichia facilities in Texas and Arizona, and even now Dr. Galichia is in Beijing, lining up investors for a hospital there that will carry his name.

The New York Times

Anyone who has ever wasted half the day waiting for a cable TV technician who showed up late or not at all will find satisfaction in the contract that New York City is close to finalizing with the cable companies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While grammatically correct, consider using "close to finalizing" instead of "close to finalize" for a more common and natural-sounding phrase.

Common error

Avoid using the base form of the verb after "to" when a continuous action is implied. Instead of "close to finalize", use "close to finalizing" to correctly indicate the ongoing process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to finalize" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb. It indicates that an action is nearing its completion. Ludwig indicates that while correct, the phrase may benefit from being reworded to "close to finalizing."

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "close to finalize" is grammatically understandable, it is less common and idiomatic than alternatives like "close to finalizing" or "nearing completion". Consider using the -ing form of the verb for a more natural sound, as Ludwig indicates. The most suitable context is neutral communication, yet more professional tones are possible. As there are no exact examples, usage patterns could not be calculated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

about to be finalized

Highlights the action of finalization occurring soon.

close to completion

Similar meaning, but focuses on the state of being near completion.

in the final stages

Describes the process as being in its concluding phase.

approaching finalization

Focuses on the ongoing process of becoming final.

nearing completion

Emphasizes the process of approaching completion, rather than the stage of finalization.

close to agreement

Similar to nearing agreement, but emphasizes the current state.

on the verge of completion

Highlights the imminence of completion.

on the brink of finalization

Emphasizes that finalization is imminent.

almost finished

A more informal way to describe something that is nearly complete.

nearing agreement

Suitable when referring to negotiations or deals that are almost settled.

FAQs

Is "close to finalize" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "close to finalize" is less common. The more standard phrasing is "close to finalizing".

What's the difference between "close to finalize" and "close to finalizing"?

The phrase "close to finalizing" uses the gerund form, which is more common and natural when describing an ongoing process. "Close to finalize" uses the base verb form which sounds less idiomatic.

How can I rephrase "close to finalize" to sound more professional?

Consider using alternatives like "nearing completion", "approaching finalization", or "about to be finalized" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "close to completion" instead of "close to finalize"?

"close to completion" focuses on the state of being near completion, while "close to finalize" implies an action that is about to be completed. Use "close to completion" when describing a project's status.