Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
deadline is closing
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "deadline is closing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that the time remaining to complete a task or project is running out. Example: "As we approach the end of the month, the deadline is closing for submitting your reports."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Alternative expressions(20)
deadline is near
time is running out
deadline is imminent
deadline is approaching
deadline is fast approaching
deadline is drawing closer
deadline looms
clock is ticking
window of opportunity is closing
deadline is nearing
delay is close
timetable is close
deadline is drawing near
months is close
target is close
due date is approaching
term is close
deadline is looming
limitations is close
deadline is tight
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
As the talks start and stop and the violence continues, a deadline is closing in on the negotiators.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
The deadline is close of play tomorrow, Wednesday 11th Feb.
News & Media
A TTE value of zero indicates that the deadline is close to convergence.
The worthiness of keeping packet m declines with the decrease of l m, because the probability that the packet would be delivered within the residual lifetime becomes low when the deadline is close.
"I know the deadline is close for presentation of bills on the floor, but in light of the Supreme Court's decision to look at this in April, I feel it imparitive [sic] that we be ready to stand with our uncompromising convictions, holding strong to our morals".
News & Media
That added impetus to a diplomatic agenda about to speed up anyway: the door to peace with Syria may still be open, but it is closing; the deadline for a framework agreement with the Palestinians is in May; the coming troop withdrawal from Lebanon requires international backing and coordination as soon as possible.
News & Media
We define a variable (D^{u, d}) that represents how many deadlines are close to the day d for a user u as follows: D^{u, d} = textstylebegin{cases} sum_{j} ^{j inmathcal{D}_{mathrm{deadline}}^{u}} frac{1}{j-d}, & mbox{if } j-T_{mathrm{days}}< d< j, 0, & mbox{otherwise}.
Science
It now seems certain the administration will not be able to meet President Obama's January 2010 deadline to close Guantánamo, and it is not clear how long it will take to hold legitimate trials even after it is closed.
News & Media
It tries to be useful and efficient -- the savior (not saviour) a writer or editor turns to on deadline when the libraries are closed and the researchers have gone home.
News & Media
While the deadline is growing close, there's no need to panic.
News & Media
Not only does that mean that your Christmas shopping deadline is frighteningly close, but it also means it's time to start thinking about the big dinner.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "deadline is closing" to create a sense of urgency, especially when reminding someone about an approaching deadline. This can be more effective than simply stating the deadline.
Common error
While "deadline is closing" effectively conveys urgency, avoid using it repeatedly in a short span. Vary your language with synonyms like "deadline is approaching" or "time is running out" to maintain reader engagement.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "deadline is closing" functions as a declarative statement, emphasizing the imminent arrival of a deadline. Ludwig provides examples showcasing its use in contexts where time is running out. It serves to alert or remind about the limited time remaining.
Frequent in
News & Media
67%
Science
23%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "deadline is closing" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase to convey the increasing urgency of an approaching deadline. As noted by Ludwig, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts and serves to prompt action. While effective, avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "deadline is approaching" or "time is running out" for variety. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, keep in mind that it is a rare phrase in English, so adapt your choice based on the audience.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
deadline is approaching
Replaces "closing" with "approaching", emphasizing the nearing of the deadline without necessarily implying a fast pace.
deadline is fast approaching
Adds "fast" to emphasize the speed at which the deadline is nearing.
deadline is near
Simplifies the phrase by using "near" instead of "closing", highlighting the proximity of the deadline.
deadline is drawing closer
Emphasizes the continuous movement of the deadline towards the present.
deadline is imminent
Uses a more formal word, "imminent", to stress the impending nature of the deadline.
deadline is upon us
Indicates that the deadline is very close or has almost arrived.
time is running out
Shifts the focus to the dwindling time available, rather than the deadline itself.
deadline looms
Uses "looms" to suggest the deadline is a significant and possibly threatening event on the horizon.
clock is ticking
Employs a metaphor to convey the sense of urgency as the deadline approaches.
window of opportunity is closing
Extends the concept to a broader "window of opportunity", which is coming to an end.
FAQs
What does it mean when someone says the "deadline is closing"?
When someone says the "deadline is closing", it means that the time remaining to complete a task or meet a requirement is quickly diminishing. It's a way of emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
What are some alternatives to saying "deadline is closing"?
You can use alternatives such as "deadline is approaching", "deadline is near", or "time is running out" depending on the specific context and the level of formality required.
Is "deadline is closing" formal or informal?
"Deadline is closing" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal settings. However, in very formal contexts, "deadline is imminent" might be more appropriate.
How can I use the phrase "deadline is closing" effectively in my writing?
Use "deadline is closing" to create a sense of urgency and prompt action. For example, "As the end of the quarter approaches, the "deadline is closing" for submitting your expense reports."
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested