close to now

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to now" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a time that is very near to the present moment or to describe something that is happening soon. Example: "The deadline for submissions is close to now, so please ensure your work is completed by the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

As close to now as was 1962.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now, or some time close to now, buyers will be able to find real bargains.

The New York Times

Now, or as close to now as Monday afternoon, Mr. Kuhlman is the teacher, sovereign of a single room in the inconspicuous brick headquarters of an adult English-literacy program here.

The New York Times

In many ways she has a deserved reputation for being a one-off, but on this occasion she distills what is close to now becoming the orthodoxy within their own party about the two most senior men in government.

The Guardian - Opinion

Let's save our energy for the friends we're close to now.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But what if the drugs, besides easing pain, could also hasten death — could make "near" closer to "now"?

The New York Times

Student 4 verbal explanation: "Since Trait B appeared sooner to, closer to now, it would be present more now.

CBE Life Sciences Education

Bet you're close to one now!

The New York Times

It is pretty close to one now".

The New York Times

"We're so close to Manhattan now.

The New York Times

Strangely, wonderfully, I feel close to you now.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience. While grammatically correct, "close to now" might sound less polished than alternatives like "in the near future" in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "close to now" repeatedly in formal documents or academic papers. While understandable, frequent use can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Opt for alternatives like "in the short term" or "imminently" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to now" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a point in time that is near the present. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it provides a temporal context, specifying when an event is likely to occur.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close to now" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate something happening in the near future. As demonstrated by Ludwig, while correct, it's relatively infrequent and might not be the most sophisticated choice in formal writing. It is most often found in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts. Consider alternatives like "in the near future" or "imminently" for a more polished tone, especially in professional settings. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, be mindful of its register and frequency to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the near future

Focuses on the future but implies a short time span from the present.

in the coming days

Specifies a short time frame, emphasizing immediacy.

in the short term

Highlights a limited period following the present.

imminently

Emphasizes that something is about to happen very soon.

in the immediate present

Stresses the current moment and what directly follows.

just around the corner

Idiomatic expression denoting something that will happen soon.

on the horizon

Suggests something is appearing and approaching from the future.

forthcoming

Implies that something is about to occur or be provided.

in the pipeline

Indicates that something is being prepared and will be available soon.

presently

Indicates something will happen soon.

FAQs

What does "close to now" mean?

The phrase "close to now" indicates that something will happen or is expected to occur in the very near future, relative to the present moment.

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

You can use "close to now" to indicate temporal proximity. For example: "The deadline is "in the near future", so it's "close to now"."

Which is more appropriate, "close to now" or "in the near future"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "in the near future" is often considered more formal and widely accepted in various contexts. "Close to now" might be suitable in informal settings or when emphasizing immediacy.

What are some alternatives to "close to now"?

Alternatives include phrases like ""in the near future"", "in the short term", or "imminently", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.