draws near

USAGE SUMMARY

"draws near" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when something is becoming closer in time or distance. For example, "As the summer draws near, the days are becoming longer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

As the truck draws near, the dogs' ears twitch.

The New Yorker

As the end of "30 Rock" draws near, the stars are remembering their favorite episodes.

Huffington Post

But as the start of school draws near, children need to get back into a routine.

WikiHow

Election year draws near.

The Guardian - Opinion

Demand slacks off as Thanksgiving draws near.

Cornell University

The dread hand of fascism draws near.

The Washington Post

As the U.S. draws near the Pres.

The New Yorker

They are moving into history; the hour draws near.

The New Yorker

Your hour of glory draws near: next Wednesday.

The New Yorker

As the end draws near, Clijsters seemed sentimental.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

As the end of their detention draws near they are allowed a wider range of visitors.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional tone you want to convey. "Draws near" can suggest excitement, apprehension, or even dread, depending on the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "draws near" in overly casual or modern contexts where simpler phrases like "is coming soon" or "is getting closer" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draws near" functions as a verb phrase indicating the approach or imminence of an event, time, or object. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

10%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "draws near" is a versatile and grammatically correct way to indicate the approach of an event, time, or object. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples of its use in diverse contexts. While slightly formal, it is widely accepted and can create a sense of anticipation or importance. Remember to consider the overall tone of your writing and choose simpler alternatives like "is coming soon" in very casual situations. With its frequent occurrence in news, media, and academic sources, "draws near" remains a valuable addition to your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approaches

Single word substitution, more concise.

nears

A more formal, single-word verb with the same core meaning.

is approaching

Uses a continuous tense, emphasizing the ongoing process of nearing.

is getting closer

Emphasizes the decreasing distance or time remaining.

is imminent

Focuses on the impending nature of the event, rather than the process of nearing.

is on the horizon

More figurative, suggesting something is coming into view or becoming apparent.

is coming soon

Simple and direct, indicating a short timeframe.

looms

Implies a sense of foreboding or importance as something approaches.

is just around the corner

Idiomatic expression meaning something is very close in time.

is drawing nigh

Archaic and literary, adding a sense of formality or solemnity.

FAQs

How to use "draws near" in a sentence?

Use "draws near" to indicate that an event or object is approaching in time or space. For example, "As winter "draws near", the leaves begin to fall" or "As the ship "draws near" the shore, the passengers gather on deck".

What can I say instead of "draws near"?

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

Is "draws near" formal or informal?

"Draws near" leans towards a slightly more formal tone, but it is widely accepted in a variety of registers. Simpler alternatives, such as "is coming soon", might be preferred in very casual settings.

What does "draws near" imply about the event or object?

"Draws near" implies that the event or object is not only approaching but also becoming more significant or impactful. It can create a sense of anticipation or foreboding.