gets closer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gets closer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something is approaching or becoming nearer in distance, time, or relationship. Example: "As the deadline approaches, the project gets closer to completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The blip gets closer.

The Guardian - Tech

It dissolves when the viewer gets closer.

The New York Times

O.K. "Sweet Revenge" gets closer to a happy average.

The New Yorker

And no critic gets closer to the text.

The New York Times - Books

That gets closer to the heart of the matter.

The Economist

The costs can increase as college gets closer.

The New York Times

Whichever side gets closer to 9 is the winner.

The New York Times - Magazine

For Halley the integral decreases as one gets closer to the nucleus.

Advances in Space Research

The sound of Lily's skirts rustling as she gets closer.

The New York Times

As the plane gets closer, the mountain gets brighter.

The New York Times - Tech

This correlation becomes more pronounced as the flame gets closer to global extinction.

Combustion and Flame

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gets closer" to describe a gradual approach in distance, time, or conceptual similarity. It works well in both literal and figurative contexts.

Common error

While "gets closer" is versatile, in highly formal writing, consider using more precise verbs like "approaches" or "nears" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gets closer" primarily functions as a verb phrase, typically used within a clause to describe the action of something or someone approaching or nearing a specific point, either physically or metaphorically. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gets closer" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a reduction in distance or difference across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science, "gets closer" functions to indicate an approaching point, whether physical, temporal, or abstract. While broadly applicable, remember that more formal synonyms like "approaches" or "nears" may be preferable in highly formal writing. The phrase enjoys very common usage, indicating its widespread acceptance and comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comes closer

Similar, but with added emphasis on the action of approaching.

draws nearer

Emphasizes the gradual approach in time or space.

grows nearer

Highlights the increasing proximity over time.

approaches

A more formal and direct synonym for coming nearer.

edges closer

Suggests a slow and cautious approach.

nears

A concise way of expressing that something is getting close.

closes in

Indicates that something is surrounding or encircling as it approaches.

advances

Suggests a deliberate or progressive movement forward.

converges

Implies multiple elements coming together at a point.

gains ground

Implies progress in reducing the distance, often in a competitive context.

FAQs

How can I use "gets closer" in a sentence?

You can use "gets closer" to describe something that is approaching physically, temporally, or conceptually. For example, "As the deadline "draws nearer", the pressure increases."

What are some alternatives to using "gets closer"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "approaches", "nears", or "draws near".

Is it correct to say "getting closer" instead of "gets closer"?

Yes, "getting closer" is grammatically correct. "Gets closer" typically describes a general trend or repeated action, while "getting closer" describes a continuous action in progress. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "gets closer" and "becomes closer"?

"Gets closer" often implies a physical or temporal approach, while "becomes closer" can also suggest an increase in emotional or conceptual proximity. For instance, "They "became closer" after sharing their experiences" suggests a deepening relationship.