close to finding

USAGE SUMMARY

"close to finding" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation in which someone is very close to discovering or uncovering something. For example: - After months of research, the scientists were getting close to finding a cure for the disease. - The detective was close to finding the missing piece of evidence that would solve the case. - Despite the setbacks, the team remained determined and felt they were close to finding a solution to the problem.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Now that it's over, foreign explorers are rushing back to see what they can find, and some, like Barron, think they're close to finding the next big treasure.

Vice

We're dangerously close to finding out.

The Guardian - Opinion

He's this close to finding Kagawa, rushing into the area.

The Guardian - Sport

The management says: "We are close to finding a resolution".

The Guardian

"He was so close to finding his way".

The New Yorker

Mr Miller says he is close to finding one.

The Economist

I came close to finding my cohort when hip-hop was just beginning to kick in.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Lean comes close to finding a visual equivalent for Dickens's words.

The Guardian - Film

4.24pm BST 65 min: And go so close to finding an instant equaliser.

The Guardian - Sport

And now we're close to finding out if "Lost" is going to make good.

The New York Times

Steelers O vs. Chargers D The Steelers never came close to finding a rhythm.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific context when using "close to finding". It's suitable for scenarios involving discovery, solutions, or attainment of goals.

Common error

Avoid using "close to finding" when the discovery is still highly uncertain. Use phrases like "exploring the possibility of finding" or "investigating potential solutions" instead to convey uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to finding" functions as a prepositional phrase acting as an adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate proximity to a discovery or attainment. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close to finding" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey the idea that a discovery, solution, or goal is within reach. According to Ludwig, it functions as an adjective phrase, indicating proximity to a specific outcome. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it's important to avoid overstating certainty when using this phrase, it effectively communicates progress and anticipation. As shown through numerous examples, it demonstrates widespread usability in modern English writing. In conclusion, "close to finding" is a common and useful phrase for describing situations where something is likely to be discovered or achieved soon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of discovering

Emphasizes the imminence of discovery, suggesting the finding is about to happen very soon.

nearing the point of discovery

Highlights the process of approaching a discovery, focusing on the journey rather than the immediate result.

about to unearth

Implies bringing something hidden to light, often used in contexts of investigation or archaeology.

on the brink of locating

Focuses specifically on finding something that was lost or hidden, suggesting the search is nearly complete.

approaching the solution

Shifts the focus to problem-solving, indicating a solution is within reach.

drawing near to

A more general term indicating proximity but can be used in various contexts, including finding.

close to unravelling

Used when a mystery or complex problem is near resolution.

within reach of

Suggests that something is attainable with a little more effort.

on the horizon

Metaphorically indicates something is becoming visible or likely to happen soon.

coming closer to

A gradual process of nearing a goal, discovery, or understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "close to finding" to indicate that someone is near to discovering or locating something. For example, "The detective is close to finding the missing evidence."

What can I say instead of "close to finding"?

You can use alternatives like "on the verge of discovering", "nearing the point of discovery", or "about to unearth" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "close to finding" or "close to find"?

"Close to finding" is the correct grammatical form. The preposition "to" requires a gerund (the -ing form of the verb) in this context. "Close to find" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the nuance between "close to finding" and "almost finding"?

"Close to finding" suggests a process of nearing a discovery, while "almost finding" implies a near miss. "Close to finding" indicates progress, whereas "almost finding" suggests a failure to achieve the finding. The nuances depend on specific contexts.