gradually nearing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gradually nearing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process of approaching something slowly over time. Example: "As the deadline approaches, the team is gradually nearing completion of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Now, the ratio of so-called autochtonen to allochtonen ("white natives"/ non-whites") is gradually nearing 1:1.

The Guardian - Opinion

She played the same role in many revivals over the years, gradually nearing the age of the protagonist.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In general, in all samples, we found that the real part ϵr of the dielectric function increases and gradually nears the maximum, and then decreases due to the Van Hove singularities.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Saturn, Mars and Spica will gradually near one another until mid-August, when the three bright objects will form a nearly straight line on Aug. 14.

Huffington Post

I add sugar in two stages, starting when the whites are foamy, but Serge adds his gradually near the end.

The New York Times - Food

The arrival of news on tiny screens -- some so small they can accommodate only 30 words at a time, others able to handle as many as 150 words or so -- has been drawing gradually nearer for a decade, starting with paging devices that transmitted headlines and financial data from organizations like CNN, Bloomberg News and ESPN.

The New York Times

Every point is crucial for Hearts as they gradually near positive figures following their 15-point deduction for entering administration.

BBC

Gradually he neared the land.

The New Yorker

Then, the accumulative release of MTX raised gradually to near 100% in 12 h.

BioMed Research International

As Aflac's business gradually returns to near normal, the company has welcomed more than 160 new hires — including a dozen from the affected prefectures.

The New York Times

The spleen remained hypointense for several days, but gradually returned to near baseline over the course of two weeks.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gradually nearing" to convey a sense of steady, continuous progress towards a specific goal or state. For impact, consider using it when the incremental nature of the approach is significant.

Common error

Do not use "gradually nearing" to describe situations where the approach is sudden or abrupt. The phrase implies a slow, continuous process, so it's unsuitable for scenarios involving rapid change or immediate impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gradually nearing" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a process of approaching something slowly over time. Ludwig examples highlight its use in describing progress toward a goal or a state.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gradually nearing" is a verb phrase used to describe the steady approach to a specific point or condition. Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as grammatically correct and suitable for describing slow progression. While relatively infrequent, it maintains a neutral register and appears in both news and scientific contexts. For alternative phrasing, consider "slowly approaching" or "progressively getting closer" to convey similar meanings. Ensure the term's appropriateness to emphasize a slow, continuous process rather than a rapid or immediate change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slowly approaching

This alternative uses a more direct synonym for "gradually" and implies a slower pace.

incrementally approaching

This alternative emphasizes the step-by-step nature of the approach.

progressively approaching

This alternative highlights the continuous advancement towards a destination.

inching closer

This alternative uses a more figurative and informal expression for gradual movement.

drawing nearer

This alternative uses a more literary and less direct way of expressing approach.

moving steadily towards

This alternative emphasizes a consistent and unwavering direction.

approaching little by little

This alternative uses a more descriptive and emphatic way to denote the approach.

advancing bit by bit

This alternative highlights the gradual accumulation of small steps.

gaining ground on

This alternative is typically used when something is catching up to something else.

making headway toward

This alternative focuses on the progress being made in a particular direction.

FAQs

How can I use "gradually nearing" in a sentence?

You can use "gradually nearing" to describe a slow and continuous approach towards something, such as "As the deadline approaches, the team is "gradually nearing" completion of the project."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "gradually nearing"?

Similar phrases include "slowly approaching", "progressively getting closer", and "drawing nearer".

Is "gradually nearing" formal or informal?

"Gradually nearing" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall tone of your writing. It is generally considered neutral.

What's the difference between "gradually nearing" and "almost reaching"?

"Gradually nearing" describes a continuous process of approaching, while "almost reaching" indicates being very close to a destination or goal at a specific point in time.