closing in on the deadline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "closing in on the deadline" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used when conveying the idea that a deadline is approaching. For example, "We are closing in on the deadline for submitting our project, so let's make sure all the details are taken care of."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

As the talks start and stop and the violence continues, a deadline is closing in on the negotiators.

The New York Times

Snead said the Rams were "closing in on an internal deadline" and would "probably" make a decision by Friday about whether they will match an offer sheet that restricted free-agent running back Malcolm Brown signed with the Detroit Lions.

Los Angeles Times

We are closing in on the January 31 deadline to enroll in health coverage in 2016.

Huffington Post

As we close in on the deadline for meeting the Millennium Development Goals in 2015, we look to the UN to reduce costs, increase impact and demonstrate meaningful results on the ground with the same enthusiasm and capability it has always displayed".

Unicef

With a deadline closing in, the Assembly on Thursday heatedly debated final legislative passage of a $9.2-billion 9.2-billion schoole, bondthe bill was losing by several votes on a prelimeasureroll call.

Los Angeles Times

Arsenal are flying high at the summit of the Premier League table as we close in on the festive period and much of that success is down to the marquee signing of Mesut Ozil on transfer deadline day.

Independent

She was already pushing $1,300 to start the day Wednesday, Broesamle said, and parents continued to wander over and pledge more as she closed in on her 11 30 a.m. deadline.

Los Angeles Times

As the deadline for agreement closed in on Monday, Biden rushed to the Capitol to brief Senate Democrats on the deal, as Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev). laid plans for a vote shortly after midnight, when taxes were set to rise for virtually every American.

The Washington Post

Looking back on a continuous increase of enquiries in the beginning of 2008 the maximum peak was reached with 1100 enquires in November close to the deadline of 1 December 2008.

Environmental Sciences Europe

The others all arrived in trades closer to the deadline.

Los Angeles Times

With Europe facing a series of debt decisions in the coming weeks and the Congressional deficit committee closing in on its Nov. 23 deadline, it is tempting to predict that policy makers will have to start making some big decisions soon.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "closing in on the deadline" to create a sense of urgency and impending completion in your writing. This is especially useful when motivating action or highlighting the importance of timely task completion.

Common error

Avoid using "closing in on the deadline" when the deadline is still far off. Overusing it can diminish its impact and create unnecessary stress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "closing in on the deadline" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the process of nearing a specific point in time. It highlights the proximity to a target date for completion, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "closing in on the deadline" is a grammatically correct and readily understandable expression used to convey the increasing proximity of a deadline. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly suitable for written English and expresses a meaning of a deadline is rapidly approaching. While the phrase has no usage examples currently, it fits in different type of contexts such as science, news or formal correspondence. When using this phrase, ensure that the context warrants a sense of urgency and that overuse is avoided to maintain its impact. Consider related phrases like "approaching the deadline" or "time is running out" for subtle variations in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approaching the deadline

Focuses on the act of getting closer to the deadline.

nearing the deadline

Similar to approaching, but suggests a more imminent arrival.

the deadline is fast approaching

Emphasizes the speed at which the deadline is coming.

time is running out

Highlights the limited amount of time left before the deadline.

the deadline is looming

Implies a sense of pressure or anxiety as the deadline approaches.

the cutoff date is drawing near

Uses more formal language to indicate the approaching deadline.

final date is coming up

A more informal way to express the arrival of the deadline.

on the verge of the deadline

Indicates being very close to the deadline.

getting down to the wire

An idiomatic expression for approaching the very end of the allotted time.

the end is in sight

Focuses on the completion of the task rather than the deadline itself.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "closing in on the deadline"?

You can use alternatives like "approaching the deadline", "nearing the deadline", or "time is running out" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "closing in on the deadline" in formal writing?

Yes, "closing in on the deadline" is generally acceptable in formal writing. However, for a more elevated tone, consider alternatives like "the deadline is fast approaching" or "the cutoff date is drawing near".

What does "closing in on the deadline" mean?

"Closing in on the deadline" means that the deadline is approaching rapidly, and there is limited time left to complete a task or meet a requirement.

How does the tone of "closing in on the deadline" compare to other similar phrases?

"Closing in on the deadline" conveys a sense of urgency and immediacy. Other phrases like "approaching the deadline" are more neutral, while phrases like "the deadline is looming" can suggest anxiety or pressure.