drawing to a close

USAGE SUMMARY

"drawing to a close" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is coming to an end. For example: "The party was drawing to a close as the clock struck midnight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Arts

Travel

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The day was drawing to a close.

The Guardian - Travel

His investigations were drawing to a close.

The Guardian - Music

The interview is drawing to a close.

The Guardian

Might that dominance be drawing to a close?

The Economist

But that era is drawing to a close.

The Economist

My first day in Hell is drawing to a close.

The New Yorker

Dance Theater Workshop's final season is drawing to a close.

The New York Times - Arts

By 1938 the New Deal was drawing to a close.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The commodity boom looks to be drawing to a close.

The Economist

That process too is now drawing to a close.

The Economist

The days of racist oppression were drawing to a close.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drawing to a close" to signal the end of an event, period, or process in a way that is both clear and slightly more evocative than simply stating something is "ending". It adds a touch of finality and anticipation.

Common error

Avoid using "drawing to a close" when referring to abrupt or unexpected endings. This phrase implies a gradual and anticipated conclusion rather than a sudden stop.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drawing to a close" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that something is nearing its end or conclusion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for describing events, periods, or processes that are gradually ending. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Arts

9%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Sports

3%

Travel

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "drawing to a close" is a grammatically correct and widely used idiomatic expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to indicate that something is nearing its end in a more descriptive and anticipatory way than simply saying it is “ending”. Predominantly found in News & Media, but also present in Arts and Encyclopedias, it maintains a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, remember that it suggests a gradual and anticipated conclusion, so avoid applying it to abrupt endings. Consider alternatives like "coming to an end" or "nearing completion" to suit the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

coming to an end

A general way of saying something is finishing.

about to conclude

Indicates an imminent end.

coming to a conclusion

Emphasizes the act of concluding or finalizing something.

approaching its end

Highlights the proximity to the final point.

winding down

Suggests a gradual reduction in activity before stopping.

nearing completion

Focuses on the act of finishing a task or project.

reaching the final stage

Highlights progress toward the last phase of something.

reaching its culmination

Implies a high point or climax before ending.

petering out

Suggests a gradual decrease in intensity before stopping completely.

terminating soon

Formally indicates the end is upcoming.

FAQs

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

You can use "drawing to a close" to describe the end of a period, event, or process. For instance, "As the summer was "coming to an end", we planned one last beach trip."

What are some alternatives to "drawing to a close"?

Alternatives include "coming to an end", "nearing completion", or "winding down" depending on the specific context you're describing.

Is it appropriate to use "drawing to a close" in formal writing?

Yes, "drawing to a close" is suitable for formal writing. It is widely used in news articles, academic papers, and business reports. However, ensure the tone of your writing aligns with the slightly evocative nature of the phrase.

What is the difference between "drawing to a close" and "ending"?

"Drawing to a close" suggests a more gradual and anticipated conclusion than simply "ending". While "ending" is direct and concise, "drawing to a close" adds a sense of finality and anticipation.