close to fulfilling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to fulfilling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is nearly completed or achieved, often in relation to goals or tasks. Example: "We are close to fulfilling our project objectives and will soon be ready for the final review."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He is close to fulfilling that promise.

The New Yorker

Judging by the Bank's latest Inflation Report, he is close to fulfilling his ambition.

The Economist

"However, the commissioner and the state have not come close to fulfilling their obligations".

The New York Times

feeling is that it has come reasonably close to fulfilling the expectations of its own leaders & those of the administration.

The New Yorker

feeling is that it has come reasonably close to fulfilling the expectations of its own leaders & those of the administration..

The New Yorker

Trains will never come close to fulfilling this potential unless Congress gets beyond its annual haggling over Amtrak's budget.

The New York Times

Of the four, only Chandler — now with the New Orleans Hornets — has come close to fulfilling his potential.

The New York Times - Sports

President Obama is nowhere close to fulfilling his pledge to win legalization for 11 million immigrants who are languishing in this society without hope of fully joining it.

The New York Times

The Manchester United winger joined from PSV over the summer in a £25m deal but has failed to come anywhere close to fulfilling the promise he arrived with.

Independent

But with spending on rent, household expenses and school fees back home, the bellhop still isn't close to fulfilling his dream of building his own house.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

You have the power to bring the mourning to a close, to fulfill the dream of your nation and of mine.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "close to fulfilling", ensure the context clearly defines what is being fulfilled. Specify the goal, promise, or ambition to provide clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "close to fulfilling" when progress is minimal or uncertain. Exaggerating achievements can undermine credibility. Provide concrete evidence of progress to support the claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to fulfilling" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates that someone or something is in the advanced stages of achieving a goal or promise. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close to fulfilling" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is nearing completion or achievement. As Ludwig AI points out, the expression appears frequently in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. It's essential to ensure that the context clearly defines what is being fulfilled to maintain clarity and avoid overstating progress. Alternatives like "nearing completion" or "on the verge of achieving" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Using this phrase accurately and with proper context enhances clarity and credibility in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

within reach of achieving

Emphasizes that the goal is attainable with the current effort.

on the verge of achieving

Highlights the imminence of reaching a goal.

about to accomplish

Emphasizes the action of completing something.

nearing completion

Focuses on the progress towards the end rather than the result.

on the cusp of success

Focuses specifically on achieving a positive outcome.

on track to realize

Indicates that progress is being made according to a plan.

approaching realization

Similar to nearing completion but emphasizes making something real.

drawing near to fruition

A more formal way of saying something is almost complete and successful.

in the process of attaining

Highlights the ongoing action of achieving something.

on the home stretch

An idiomatic expression indicating the final part of a race or project.

FAQs

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

You can use "close to fulfilling" to describe nearing the completion of a goal, promise, or ambition. For example, "The project is "close to fulfilling" its objectives ahead of schedule".

What are some alternatives to "close to fulfilling"?

Alternatives include "nearing completion", "on the verge of achieving", or "about to accomplish". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "close to fulfilling"?

While grammatically correct, "close to fulfilling" should be used when there's demonstrable progress toward a specific goal. Avoid using it when progress is speculative or minimal to maintain credibility.

What's the difference between "close to fulfilling" and "having fulfilled"?

"Close to fulfilling" indicates a state of near completion, while "having fulfilled" means the goal has already been achieved. Use "having fulfilled" when the action is complete, and "close to fulfilling" when it is nearing completion.