getting closer to completion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting closer to completion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about something that is near the end of the process of being completed, such as a project or task. For example, "We've been working on this project for weeks, and we're finally getting closer to completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But the reactor is getting closer to completion.

The Guardian

Now that the project is getting closer to completion (we are about 85percentt done), any small things, from installing light fixtures to painting, I do on the weekends.

The New York Times

While there's still no official release date, Bosch told The Creators Project, they are getting closer to completion every day.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Developers of several condos downtown and at the beach are requiring initial deposits of 40 percent or more, and more as they get closer to completion.

The New York Times

While the gargantuan multi-nation effort of sequencing T. aestivum gets close to completion, the annotation process for the vast number of wheat genes and proteins is in its infancy.

BMC Genomics

This just delays us to getting closer to the completion of the investigation".

Huffington Post

Are we getting closer to clinical implementation?

Biomaterials

We were getting closer to war.

The New York Times

Getting closer to Hell or farther away.

The New Yorker

"It's getting closer to a resolution.

BBC

But we're getting closer to that".

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context. While suitable for general use, more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "approaching completion" or "nearing finalization".

Common error

Avoid using "getting closer to completion" repeatedly in formal documents. Vary your language with synonyms to maintain a professional tone and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting closer to completion" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the progression of a task or project towards its final stage. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for general use.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "getting closer to completion" is a grammatically correct and generally acceptable way to express that something is progressing towards its final stage. While Ludwig indicates its usability, it's important to consider the context and audience. In more formal settings, alternatives like "approaching completion" might be preferable. The phrase is commonly found in news and media, science, and wiki sources. Remember to avoid overuse and vary your language for a more professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approaching completion

Implies a steady movement towards the final stage, similar to "getting closer to completion".

nearing finalization

Focuses on the act of making something final, akin to the completion aspect.

drawing to a close

Suggests the end is imminent, highlighting the closing stages of a process.

winding down

Indicates a gradual reduction in activity as the end approaches, similar to approaching completion.

reaching the finish line

Emphasizes the final stage of a race or project, analogous to achieving completion.

coming to fruition

Highlights the realization of a plan or project, synonymous with completion.

in the home stretch

Implies the final portion of a task or project, closely related to getting closer to completion.

on the verge of completion

Expresses an almost complete state, emphasizing the proximity to the final stage.

approaching the end

Highlights the proximity to the end of the project or task.

almost done

A simpler, more informal way of expressing nearness to completion.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "getting closer to completion" in a formal setting?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "approaching completion", "nearing finalization", or "drawing to a close" for a more professional tone.

Is "getting closer to completion" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "getting closer to completion" might be too informal for some academic papers. Alternatives like "approaching completion" or "progressing toward completion" could be more suitable.

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

"Getting closer to completion" implies a process of nearing the end, whereas "near completion" describes a state of being almost complete. The first emphasizes movement, the second a current status. "Nearing finalization".

When should I use "getting closer to completion" instead of "almost complete"?

Use "getting closer to completion" when you want to highlight progress over time. "Almost complete" simply indicates the current state. For example, "After months of work, the project is getting closer to completion", emphasizes the effort made. Alternative: "approaching the end".