death approaches

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "death approaches" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing mortality, the inevitability of death, or in a metaphorical sense to indicate an impending end or conclusion. Example: "As the final moments of the battle drew near, the soldiers felt a chilling sense that death approaches."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She is living alone now that death approaches.

The Guardian - Books

Now Elliot has become her caretaker as her death approaches.

The New York Times

Then as his second death approaches, much more fully prepared, it gains a wonderful inevitability.

The New York Times - Arts

Those crazy molecules' but death is still worse, and whenever death approaches, Rabbit feels an urge to eat.

The Guardian - Books

Death approaches him at a point when he is, on his own terms, at the top of his game.

The Guardian - Books

As the Bach year, the 250th anniversary of his death, approaches Easter, choral works come appropriately to the fore.

The New York Times - Arts

As the 10th anniversary of her death approaches, she keeps popping back to check on her own publicity campaign.

The Guardian - Books

It's a question being asked around the world, as the 10th anniversary of the singer's untimely death approaches.

Independent

As the first anniversary of Tamir's death approaches, there is no indication of when a grand jury will decide whether to issue charges.

The New York Times

That included the daughters' argument over the medications Mrs. Gladden was receiving to relieve her pain and reduce her agitation and anxiety, common symptoms as death approaches.

The New York Times

The anxiety in his eyes as death approaches is unsettling, since it may be something that Redford the man feels, too.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "death approaches" to convey a sense of foreboding or inevitability, particularly when discussing the final stages of life or the end of an era. It can be used both literally and metaphorically to denote the nearness of mortality or the conclusion of an event.

Common error

Avoid using "death approaches" in overly casual or lighthearted contexts. Its serious tone can feel out of place if the situation doesn't warrant such gravity. Opt for less dramatic phrasing in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "death approaches" primarily functions as a declarative statement, often serving as a subject and verb within a sentence. It sets a somber tone, indicating the proximity of mortality. As Ludwig confirms, it is usable and appropriate in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "death approaches" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, particularly in news, media, and scientific contexts, to express the nearness of death or the end of life. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability. While appropriate for formal writing, it should be used judiciously in casual contexts. Alternatives include "death is near" or "death is imminent" depending on the specific nuance you are trying to convey. Remember to maintain a respectful and serious tone when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

death is near

This alternative directly states the proximity of death, using simpler language.

death is imminent

This phrase uses a more formal term, "imminent", to convey the closeness of death.

mortality is imminent

This phrase highlights the inevitability of death using formal language.

the end is near

This alternative is a euphemism, referring to the end of life without explicitly mentioning death.

dying is close

This version emphasizes the process of dying and its nearness.

one's time is drawing near

This phrase uses a more poetic and indirect way of expressing the approach of death.

the grim reaper is coming

This is a metaphorical expression, personifying death and indicating its arrival.

life is fading

This alternative focuses on the gradual decline of life as death nears.

the final curtain is falling

This phrase employs a theatrical metaphor to describe the end of life.

the twilight years

This alternative references the end of someone's life as the 'twilight years'.

FAQs

How can I use "death approaches" in a sentence?

You can use "death approaches" to describe the final stages of a terminal illness, such as, "As "death approaches", palliative care becomes increasingly important." It can also be used metaphorically, such as, "As the deadline neared, a sense that "death approaches" to the project permeated the team".

What are some alternatives to "death approaches"?

Alternatives include "death is near", "death is imminent", or "the end is near". The best choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "death approaches" in all types of writing?

While grammatically correct, "death approaches" is best suited for serious or formal writing. In casual contexts, simpler phrases like "death is near" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "death approaches" and "death is approaching"?

"Death approaches" is a more concise and slightly more formal phrasing. "Death is approaching" is grammatically correct and carries a similar meaning but may sound less impactful in certain contexts.