close to succeeding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to succeeding" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone is nearly achieving a goal or reaching a desired outcome. Example: "After months of hard work, the team is close to succeeding in their project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Yet it came worryingly close to succeeding.

The Economist

They come close to succeeding.

The New York Times

They are now perilously close to succeeding.

The New York Times

Some of Michals's portraits seem to come close to succeeding.

The New Yorker

None of these books comes close to succeeding according to the usual standards.

The New York Times - Health

He is close to succeeding, and he is relishing the challenge of the job.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

He comes closer to succeeding than seems humanly possible.

The New York Times - Books

Later in the day, they acknowledged that the effort was no closer to succeeding than when they started.

The New York Times

He said that while talks were "probably getting closer to succeeding," he was still sceptical about the logic behind the acquisition.

The Guardian - Business

Players Support Fehr's Probable Successor Michael Weiner moved a step closer to succeeding Donald Fehr as head of the baseball players union.

The New York Times

See articleMario Draghi, head of Italy's central bank, came a step closer to succeeding Jean-Claude Trichet as president of the European Central Bank when Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, told a newspaper that she "could support" his candidacy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal contexts, especially when precision matters, consider quantifying the degree of closeness to success if possible. For example, 'the project is 90% complete and close to succeeding' provides more clarity than just 'close to succeeding'.

Common error

Avoid using "close to succeeding" when the outcome is already definitively successful. This phrase implies a degree of uncertainty, so it's inappropriate once the goal has been fully achieved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to succeeding" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its state. Ludwig examples show it is commonly used to indicate a high probability of reaching a desired outcome.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Books

9%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close to succeeding" is a versatile phrase used to express that an effort or project is nearing successful completion. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct. Its frequent appearance in diverse sources, particularly News & Media outlets, makes it a common expression. When using this phrase, remember that it implies a degree of uncertainty, making it unsuitable for situations where success is already guaranteed. For more formal contexts, consider quantifying the degree of closeness to success for greater clarity. Understanding these nuances will allow you to use "close to succeeding" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of success

Emphasizes the imminence of success.

about to achieve success

Highlights the action of achieving success soon.

nearing completion

Focuses on the process of finishing something successfully.

on the cusp of success

Implies being at a crucial turning point before success.

approaching triumph

Suggests a grand or significant victory.

almost there

An informal way to express nearness to success.

within reach of success

Highlights that success is attainable.

on track to succeed

Indicates progress and likelihood of success.

making headway

Focuses on the progress being made toward success.

gaining ground

Suggests overcoming obstacles to move closer to success.

FAQs

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

You can use "close to succeeding" to indicate that someone or something is very near to achieving success. For example: "The company is "close to succeeding" in its efforts to expand into new markets."

What are some alternatives to "close to succeeding"?

Alternatives to "close to succeeding" include "on the verge of success", "about to achieve success", or "nearing completion" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "close to succeed" instead of "close to succeeding"?

No, "close to succeed" is not grammatically correct. The correct form is "close to succeeding", as the preposition "to" requires a gerund (succeeding) in this context.

What's the difference between "close to succeeding" and "succeeding"?

"Close to succeeding" implies that success is likely but not yet certain, while "succeeding" indicates that success is already happening or has been achieved.