coming closer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "coming closer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to communicate that something is approaching or getting nearer in proximity. Example: As they walked, the sound of the river grew louder, coming closer with each step they took.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Coming closer now.

The New Yorker

"Big-hearted" is coming closer.

The New Yorker

And the firing was coming closer".

The New York Times

Well, one's coming closer to reality.

The New York Times

It won't be coming closer.

The Guardian - Books

Coming closer, I could hear him.

The New York Times

It was coming closer and closer.

The New Yorker

"I believe reunification is coming closer.

The Telegraph

Your day is coming closer, I suspect.

The Guardian

The past is coming closer to Berlin.

The New York Times

We could hear sirens wailing, coming closer.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "coming closer" to describe both physical movement and the progression of abstract concepts or events toward a specific point or outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "coming closer" repeatedly in the same paragraph. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "approaching", "drawing nearer", or "nearing" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "coming closer" functions primarily as a gerund phrase. It often acts as part of a continuous verb tense, indicating an ongoing process of approaching or nearing. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes something approaching or getting nearer in proximity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "coming closer" is a versatile gerund phrase used to describe the process of approaching, whether in physical space or in a more abstract sense. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It appears most frequently in News & Media, but also in Science and Academic contexts. While generally neutral in tone, writers should be mindful of overuse and consider synonyms like "approaching" or "drawing nearer" for enhanced clarity and impact. Remember that you can always rely on Ludwig's examples to master all the nuances of the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

getting closer

Similar to the original phrase, but with a slightly more informal tone.

approaching

Emphasizes the act of drawing nearer in space or time.

drawing nearer

Highlights the gradual reduction of distance.

on approach

Used to describe a phase or stage of moving closer

nearing

A more formal synonym indicating proximity in time or space.

advancing

Suggests forward movement, often with purpose or force.

in sight

Indicates that a goal or destination is within reach.

within reach

Implies accessibility or attainability.

on the horizon

Figuratively indicates that something is about to happen or become apparent.

impending

Emphasizes the imminent nature of an event, often with a sense of foreboding.

FAQs

How can I use "coming closer" in a sentence?

You can use "coming closer" to describe physical movement, like "The sound of the waves was "coming closer" as we approached the beach", or the progression of time, like "The deadline is "coming closer" each day".

What are some alternatives to "coming closer"?

Alternatives include "approaching", "drawing nearer", "getting closer", or "nearing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "coming closer" in formal writing?

While "coming closer" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "approaching" or "drawing nearer" might be preferred in academic or professional contexts to maintain a sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "coming closer" and "getting closer"?

"Coming closer" and "getting closer" are largely interchangeable, but "getting closer" is often considered more informal. The best choice depends on the desired tone and audience.