closing in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "closing in" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe a situation where something is getting closer and closer, for example: The deadline is quickly closing in, so I need to finish this project soon.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Forbes

Huffington Post

The New York Times

TechCrunch

BBC

The Guardian

Vice

Los Angeles Times

The New Yorker

Harvard University

The Washington Post

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"A wall is closing in".

The New York Times

The Orioles are closing in again.

The New York Times - Sports

Maryland is closing in on 200.

The New York Times

"You feel it closing in, though".

The New York Times - Arts

We're closing in on a hundred inches.

The New Yorker

The truth was closing in on him.

The Guardian - Books

But Madagascar was closing in on me.

Forbes

Martin was closing in on 60.

Forbes

"He's closing in on 4,000 winners.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Everyone sensed that Soufan was closing in.

The New Yorker

Jay Z Closingg in on $1 billion.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "closing in" with prepositions like 'on' or 'around' to provide additional context, such as "closing in on a target" or "closing in around a subject."

Common error

While "closing in" is widely understood, it can sometimes be too informal for academic or highly professional contexts. Consider using more precise or formal alternatives like "approaching" or "converging" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "closing in" functions primarily as a verb phrase, specifically a present participle used to describe an action in progress. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It modifies nouns or pronouns, indicating that something is in the process of approaching or becoming imminent, as demonstrated in many of the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Forbes

7%

Huffington Post

5%

Less common in

TechCrunch

2%

BBC

2%

The Guardian

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "closing in" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that conveys a sense of approaching or becoming imminent. As Ludwig AI points out, its versatility allows it to function in a variety of contexts, though it is most commonly found in news and media sources. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives in academic or highly professional settings. To enhance writing, use "closing in" to create a sense of pressure or inevitability, and be mindful of its potential informality in certain contexts. Related phrases like "approaching" or "drawing near" can provide suitable alternatives depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearing

This alternative simplifies the phrase to its core meaning of becoming closer in distance or time.

approaching

This alternative refers to the act of getting nearer, emphasizing the direction and reducing the sense of pressure.

converging

This alternative refers to multiple entities coming together at a point, useful when many things are "closing in".

drawing near

This alternative conveys imminence and nearness, often used in a more formal or literary context.

advancing

This alternative suggests forward movement, often used when an entity is actively moving closer.

encircling

This alternative implies surrounding or hemming in, often used when the subject is being surrounded.

encroaching

This alternative describes gradually intruding or advancing, suggesting a subtle or unwanted approach.

impending

This alternative suggests that something is about to happen, usually something negative.

looming

This alternative suggests that something is appearing as a large or threatening shape, used in negative situation.

gaining ground

This alternative suggests progress towards a goal or victory, with a nuance of challenge or competition.

FAQs

How can I use "closing in" in a sentence?

You can use "closing in" to describe something getting nearer, like "The deadline is "fast approaching"" or to describe encirclement, such as "The enemy forces were "encircling" the city".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "closing in"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "drawing near", "approaching", or "becoming imminent".

Is "closing in" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "closing in" might be considered too informal for certain academic or professional contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "converging" or "nearing" in those situations.

What does it mean when someone says "the walls are closing in"?

The expression "the walls are closing in" is an idiom that suggests a feeling of being trapped, overwhelmed, or under increasing pressure. It implies a sense of confinement and mounting stress.