drawing closer to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drawing closer to" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that something or someone is approaching or getting nearer in time or space. Example: "As the deadline approached, the team found themselves drawing closer to a solution." Alternative expressions include "getting nearer to" and "approaching."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Uncle George was drawing closer to Griffin.

The New York Times

Now, though, the war is drawing closer to Google's doorstep.

The New York Times - Tech

Last week, insurgents and U.S. forces appeared to be drawing closer to a confrontation in Fallujah.

The Washington Post

Egypt, for its own reasons, has chilled relations with Israel while drawing closer to Libya.

The New York Times

Former vice president Joe Biden is drawing closer to making a decision about a presidential bid.

The Guardian

Might you find yourself drawing closer to God, or the functional equivalent?

The New York Times - Arts

Agreement Near for World Cup A World Cup of baseball is drawing closer to reality.

The New York Times - Sports

10.01pm GMT The fighting in Mali is drawing closer to Bamako.

The Guardian

Officials from all three parties said the sides were drawing closer to the prospect of starting talks.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, Cochran's case against Lyga and the city on behalf of Gaines's family was drawing closer to a trial.

The New Yorker

Drawing closer to the modern era, the exhibit features the timepiece that helpedCharles Lindberghcross the Atlantic in 1927.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drawing closer to" to subtly suggest a gradual process of approaching a physical location, abstract concept, or emotional state. This can add depth and nuance to your writing.

Common error

While "drawing closer to" is versatile, avoid overusing it in very formal or technical writing. Alternatives like "approaching" or "progressing toward" may offer more concise and professional substitutes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drawing closer to" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier. It describes the manner in which something is approaching or progressing. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Arts

7%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "drawing closer to" is a grammatically sound and versatile prepositional phrase used to express approaching or progressing towards something, physically or conceptually. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While highly common, writers should be mindful of potentially more concise alternatives in strictly formal writing. Its adaptability and neutral tone make it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

getting closer to

This alternative maintains the original meaning using slightly more common vocabulary.

approaching

This alternative is shorter and more direct, focusing solely on the act of nearing.

nearing

This alternative is a simple and direct synonym, emphasizing the reduction of distance.

moving toward

This alternative emphasizes the direction of movement and progression.

progressing toward

This alternative highlights the gradual advancement towards a goal or state.

advancing toward

This alternative emphasizes forward movement and progress.

converging on

This alternative suggests that different elements are coming together at a single point.

tending toward

This alternative suggests an inclination or drift towards a certain outcome.

coming within reach of

This alternative emphasizes that something is nearly attainable or achievable.

becoming proximate to

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes physical closeness.

FAQs

How can I use "drawing closer to" in a sentence?

You can use "drawing closer to" to describe physical proximity, like "The train was drawing closer to the station", or abstract concepts, such as "The negotiations are drawing closer to a resolution".

What are some alternatives to "drawing closer to"?

You can use alternatives like "approaching", "nearing", or "getting closer to", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "drawing closer to" and "drawing nearer to"?

"Drawing closer to" and "drawing nearer to" are very similar and often interchangeable. The choice often comes down to personal preference or the specific rhythm of the sentence.

When is it more appropriate to use "approaching" instead of "drawing closer to"?

While "drawing closer to" indicates a gradual process, "approaching" may be more suitable when describing a more immediate or imminent arrival or realization.