closest to the finish line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "closest to the finish line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to competition, progress, or achieving goals, often to indicate someone or something that is near completion. Example: "In the race, Sarah was the closest to the finish line, making her the likely winner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Among the current field of exercise-pill competitors, Evans is the closest to the finish line.

The New Yorker

On my iPhone, we looked at raw Boston.com footage showing the explosion closest to the finish line.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I've already got my date with an ice bath and some chocolate milk at my good pal and running buddy Aubrey's so-close-to-the-finish-line apartment and a post-race victory party lined up with Caitlin and our friends and family (at a top secret location).

Huffington Post

Rosalind Chia was so close to the finish line.

The Guardian

McCain's bounce, therefore, will likely take him correspondingly closer to the finish line.

The New Yorker

The first way is the most literal: delegates are awarded, potentially bringing a candidate closer to the finish line.

The New York Times

IF YOU GO Off to the Races THE 2003 Nascar Winston Cup Championship season is close to the finish line.

The New York Times - Travel

"Something's always going to change psychologically as you get closer to the finish line," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"They were willing to work with the village, but every time they got close to the finish line, the village moved the line," Ms. Savolt said.

The New York Times

That was quite a relief to Outteridge, who had the gold medal in sight at the 2008 Beijing Olympics only to capsize close to the finish line.

The New York Times - Sports

What he saw at the 13th was enough of a gap to convince him he could pull off the shot and move closer to the finish line.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "closest to the finish line" when you want to emphasize not only being near completion but also suggest a sense of competition or progress in a race-like scenario. This can add a dynamic feel to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "closest to the finish line" in contexts where there is no sense of progress or competition. Using it to describe a static state or a situation lacking clear goals can weaken your writing and confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "closest to the finish line" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, indicating the state of being nearest to completion or achievement. As Ludwig AI explains, it is usable in written English and often used in contexts related to competition, progress, or achieving goals.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "closest to the finish line" is a grammatically correct and commonly understood phrase used to describe the state of being nearest to completion or success in a competitive context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted in written English. While versatile, it's most effectively used when conveying a sense of progress, competition, and imminent achievement, primarily found in news and media contexts. Related phrases like ""nearing the end"" or ""on the verge of completion"" can be used as alternatives depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearing the end

Simply indicates the progression towards the final stage.

nearest the goal

Focuses specifically on proximity to a defined goal rather than a race.

drawing near completion

Focuses on the gradual process of approaching completion.

on the verge of completion

Highlights the imminent completion of a task or project.

close to achieving victory

Specifically refers to achieving victory or winning.

inches from success

Emphasizes the small remaining distance to achieve success.

at the threshold of success

Emphasizes being at the very beginning of a successful outcome.

virtually complete

Indicates that something is so near to completion that it is practically finished.

about to achieve

Focuses on the act of achieving something very soon.

on the brink of achieving

Highlights the precariousness or excitement of the final moment before achievement.

FAQs

How can I use "closest to the finish line" in a sentence?

You can use "closest to the finish line" to describe someone or something that is near to completing a task or winning a competition. For example, "Our team is "closest to the finish line" in securing the contract."

What's a good alternative to "closest to the finish line"?

Alternatives include "nearing the end", "on the verge of completion", or "inches from success", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "closest to the finish line" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the tone. In very formal contexts, a more direct phrase like "approaching completion" or "nearing conclusion" might be more suitable.

Can "closest to the finish line" be used metaphorically?

Yes, it is most commonly used metaphorically to describe being near to achieving a goal, completing a project, or winning a competition. The literal meaning refers to physical races.