close to the deadline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to the deadline" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a deadline that is approaching quickly. For example, "I'm finishing up my project, but I'm running out of time; the deadline is close!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

It remains unclear what transpired Monday behind closed doors but the breakdown in talks so close to the deadline indicates that little progress has been made in the negotiations, which began in March.

Los Angeles Times

Students are all too ready to begin work close to the deadline.

The Guardian

The first question is how close to the deadline to do the review.

Cornell University

More municipalities are waiting until they are close to the deadline to start negotiations or starting after contracts expired".

The New York Times

Both exchange companies had said that they expected investors to tender their holdings close to the deadline.

The New York Times

Mr. Feinberg, however, said he expected people to wait until close to the deadline no matter when it is.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

"That could change as we get closer to the deadline.

The New York Times - Sports

As time goes on and it gets closer to the deadline, people pay attention".

The New York Times

And I think the Saudis are getting closer to the deadline and are playing hardball".

The New York Times

The Yankees could wait until closer to the deadline before making a move.

The New York Times

"The visibility of this issue is going to continue to grow as we get closer to the deadline," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using this phrase when you want to emphasize the temporal proximity and potential urgency or stress associated with the approaching deadline.

Common error

Avoid implying that something is finished just because it's "close to the deadline". The phrase indicates nearness in time, not necessarily completion of a task. Be clear about progress versus remaining work.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to the deadline" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate the timing of an action or event in relation to a specific deadline. Ludwig provides several examples of its usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "close to the deadline" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase that functions adverbially, expressing the nearness of an event or action to a specific cutoff date. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While it's generally neutral, awareness of potential ambiguity and the importance of early submission are crucial for effective communication. Consider synonyms like "approaching the deadline" or "at the eleventh hour" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearing the deadline

Focuses on the process of approaching the deadline.

approaching the deadline

Similar to "nearing the deadline", highlighting the ongoing movement toward the cutoff.

just before the deadline

More explicit about the temporal proximity to the deadline.

as the deadline approaches

Like "approaching the deadline", but framed as a process unfolding.

in the vicinity of the deadline

More formal way of saying "near the deadline".

on the verge of the deadline

Emphasizes being very near the deadline, almost at the edge.

in proximity to the deadline

Similar to "in the vicinity of", conveying nearness in a more formal tone.

at the eleventh hour

Idiomatic expression emphasizing the last possible moment before a deadline.

as the deadline looms

Highlights the impending nature and potential pressure associated with an approaching deadline.

with the deadline fast approaching

Emphasizes the speed and urgency of the approaching deadline.

FAQs

What does "close to the deadline" mean?

It means that a particular point in time is near the final date or time by which something must be done or completed.

How can I use "close to the deadline" in a sentence?

You might say, "We're working hard to finish the project as we get "nearing the deadline"" or "Many students wait until they are "just before the deadline" to begin their assignments."

What are some alternatives to "close to the deadline"?

Some alternatives include "approaching the deadline", "nearing the deadline", or "at the eleventh hour", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to submit something "close to the deadline" or earlier?

Submitting earlier is generally preferable to avoid potential technical issues or unexpected delays. However, sometimes waiting until "just before the deadline" allows for incorporating new information or improvements.