has been nearing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been nearing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual approach or progression towards a certain point or condition over time. Example: "The deadline for the project has been nearing, and we need to finalize our plans soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Also, the number of complaints received by the civilian board has been nearing a record.

The New York Times

Its exporters are having to cope with a rising currency, which has been nearing a record high against the dollar (and has notched one against the yen), and a slowing American economy.

The Economist

As Owen Nichols of the NME duly points out, comedy stars tend to have fairly short shelf lives, and Ferrell has been nearing his sell-by-date for some time now.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Claritin should have been nearing approval.

The New York Times - Magazine

The result has been near-perpetual crisis.

The New Yorker

But actual production has been near zero.

The New York Times

Roger Federer, on the other hand, has been near to impeccable.

The Guardian - Sport

Ron Paul Like Gingrich, Paul has been near-invisible in Illinois.

The Guardian

Membership is free, and getting companies to advertise on the site has been near-impossible.

The Economist

Since May 22nd, when the election was called, there has been near paralysis.

The Economist

In truth, the art of natural dyeing has been near dead since the mid-Victorian era.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your context; while acceptable in most writing, slightly more direct alternatives like "approaching" might be preferred for very formal documents.

Common error

Avoid using "has been nearing" when describing an instantaneous event or a sudden change. This phrase emphasizes a process over time, so ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of gradual approach.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been nearing" functions as a verb phrase indicating a continuous action progressing towards a specific state or point in time. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing approaching deadlines or rising currency values.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been nearing" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe a gradual approach or progression. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English, found primarily in news and media contexts. While "has been nearing" is not exceptionally frequent, it serves as an effective way to emphasize the process of something getting closer over time. When using it, ensure your sentence accurately reflects this gradual progression to maintain clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been approaching

Direct synonym, replacing "nearing" with "approaching" to convey a similar sense of getting closer to a point.

has been getting close to

Rephrases "nearing" using a more common and slightly less formal expression indicating proximity.

has been drawing closer to

Emphasizes the gradual reduction of distance, suggesting a progressive movement toward a specific target or state.

has been verging on

Implies that something is coming very close to a particular state or condition, often suggesting a transition.

has been on the verge of

Similar to "verging on", this suggests that something is at the brink or threshold of a new state or development.

is almost at

A simpler, more direct way of saying something is very close to a particular condition or place.

is on the horizon

Figuratively suggests something is about to appear or happen in the near future.

is in sight

Indicates that a goal or end point is now visible or achievable, suggesting imminent arrival.

is coming down the pike

An idiomatic expression meaning something is on its way or will be happening soon.

is imminent

Indicates that something is about to happen very soon, suggesting a high degree of certainty and nearness.

FAQs

What does "has been nearing" mean?

The phrase "has been nearing" signifies that something is in the process of approaching or getting closer to a particular point, level, or condition over a period of time.

What are some alternatives to "has been nearing"?

You can use alternatives such as "has been approaching", "has been getting close to", or "has been drawing closer to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do I use "has been nearing" in a sentence?

Use "has been nearing" to describe a gradual increase or progression. For example: "The deadline for submissions "has been nearing", so please submit your work soon."

Is "has been nearing" formal or informal?

"Has been nearing" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although slightly more direct alternatives might be preferred in highly formal writing. It's more important to consider the overall tone and audience of your writing.