getting close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting close" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is approaching a particular point or goal, either physically or metaphorically. Example: "We are getting close to finishing the project, and I can see the end in sight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We are getting close.

Independent

Jack is getting close.

Independent

"But it's getting close".

The New York Times - Sports

They're getting close.

The New York Times

But it is getting close.

The Economist

Also, getting close to people.

The New York Times

And, later, "We're getting close".

The New Yorker

"And they're not getting close".

The New York Times

And he was getting close.

The New York Times - Sports

It's getting close to that".

BBC

"I'm getting close.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "getting close" when you want to emphasize the process of nearing a specific target or goal, whether physical or abstract. For example, "The deadline is getting close, so we need to finalize the report."

Common error

While "getting close" is a common phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "approaching" or "drawing near" to add variety and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting close" functions as a present participle phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun, or as part of a continuous verb tense. Ludwig shows its frequent use in describing progress or nearing a specific point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sports

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "getting close" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to denote nearing a goal, place, or state. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and high frequency across varied contexts such as news, sports, and business. While "getting close" is widely accepted, diversifying your writing with alternatives like "approaching" or "drawing near" can enhance clarity and style. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively integrate "getting close" into your communication while avoiding overuse. Finally, considering all of these aspects we have obtained from the analysis performed, it's a perfect fit for the vast majority of contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approaching

Indicates a movement toward a destination or goal, emphasizing the reduction of distance.

drawing near

Suggests that something is coming closer in time or space, often used for events or deadlines.

nearing completion

Focuses specifically on the progress of finishing a task or project.

on the verge of

Implies being at the point just before something happens or is achieved.

within reach

Suggests that a goal or target is attainable and not far off.

coming up on

Highlights the imminent arrival or occurrence of something.

in sight

Indicates that a goal or destination is visible and achievable.

approaching rapidly

Emphasizes the speed and quickness of nearing a goal or target.

almost there

A colloquial way of expressing that the destination or goal is very close.

on the horizon

Suggests that something is anticipated and approaching but may still be some time away.

FAQs

How can I use "getting close" in a sentence?

You can use "getting close" to describe nearing a physical location, like, "We're getting close to the city center" or an abstract goal, such as, "The team is getting close to reaching its sales target".

What are some alternatives to "getting close"?

Alternatives include "approaching", "drawing near", or "nearing". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "get close" instead of "getting close"?

While "get close" is grammatically correct, it has a slightly different meaning. "Get close" often implies establishing a relationship or reducing physical distance, while "getting close" typically indicates approaching a specific goal or deadline. For instance, "I want to get close to her" versus "We are getting close to the deadline".

What's the difference between "getting close to" and "getting closer to"?

"Getting close to" and "getting closer to" are often interchangeable, but "getting closer to" emphasizes the ongoing process of approaching something. For example, "We are getting closer to a solution" highlights progress more than "We are getting close to a solution".