deadline looms

USAGE SUMMARY

"deadline looms" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to an upcoming deadline that is getting closer and needs to be taken into consideration. For example, "With the deadline looming, we need to finish this project soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The deadline looms.

The New York Times

The nonwaiver trading deadline looms.

The New York Times - Sports

But a more ominous deadline looms this week.

The New York Times - Sports

Even weekends have no particular texture if a deadline looms.

The New Yorker

Three years have passed, and thus the deadline looms.

The New York Times

A deadline looms for posting employee rights per the National Labor Relations Act.

The New York Times

c2d63194-671d-41b6-87b5-b542f8e669d5 AFTER eight years of double crossing and frustration a deadline looms.

The Economist

Withdrawals have stepped up as a separate deadline looms for law enforcement officials investigating the firm.

The New York Times

30 June 2015 No deal is struck as the deadline looms.

The Guardian

And yet the industry still defaults to crunch when a deadline looms.

The Guardian - Tech

Most of us will jettison plans to go skiing if a deadline looms near.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deadline looms" to create a sense of urgency or anticipation, especially when the deadline has significant consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "deadline looms" in very casual settings, as it can sound overly dramatic. Opt for simpler phrases like "deadline is coming up" in informal conversations.

Linguistic Context

Deadline looms functions as an idiomatic expression indicating the impending arrival of a critical date. This phrase is commonly used to highlight the increasing pressure and urgency associated with approaching time limits. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deadline looms" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey the approaching nature of a deadline. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it effectively creates a sense of urgency. While versatile, overuse in informal settings may sound unnatural. Alternatives like "deadline approaches" offer similar meanings. When using "deadline looms", consider the context to ensure appropriate tone and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deadline approaches

Direct synonym, focuses on the approach of the deadline.

deadline is drawing near

Similar to "deadline approaches" but with a slightly more gradual feel.

deadline is imminent

Emphasizes the nearness and inevitability of the deadline.

deadline is fast approaching

Highlights the speed at which the deadline is coming.

time is running out

Highlights the scarcity of time remaining.

clock is ticking

A more urgent and suspenseful way of saying time is running out.

day of reckoning is near

Suggests a more significant and possibly consequential event.

crunch time is here

Indicates a period of intense pressure before a deadline.

zero hour approaches

Emphasizes the decisive moment is drawing near.

final hour nears

Focuses on the last moments before the deadline.

FAQs

How can I use "deadline looms" in a sentence?

You can use "deadline looms" to emphasize the approaching end of a period for completing a task. For example, "As the project "deadline looms", the team is working overtime."

What are some alternatives to "deadline looms"?

Alternatives include "deadline approaches", "deadline is imminent", or "time is running out", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "deadline looms" formal or informal?

"Deadline looms" is generally considered neutral in tone and is suitable for news, professional, and some academic contexts. It might sound slightly dramatic for very informal settings.

What does it mean when a deadline looms?

When a ""deadline looms"", it means a specific date or time by which something must be completed is approaching, often creating a sense of urgency or pressure.