inching closer

USAGE SUMMARY

"inching closer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this expression to describe a gradual approach to a result, goal, or conclusion. For example, "We are inching closer to finding a solution to this problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That comparison is inching closer to reality.

The New York Times

I was inching closer to exile.

The Guardian

The only way to find out is by inching closer.

The Economist

The Cardinals are inching closer to the postseason.

The New York Times

"But we're inching closer to where we want to be".

The New York Times - Sports

Roger Clemens keeps inching closer to Barry Bonds territory.

The New York Times - Sports

Although time is dwindling, Fisher is inching closer.

The New York Times - Sports

Cornerback Prince Amukamara, who broke his foot in training camp, is inching closer, too.

The New York Times - Sports

Busch, who has won three consecutive poles, was winless but inching closer and closer.

The New York Times - Sports

"This is the last Jack tale," the dog said, inching closer.

The New Yorker

Much of this technology is still in its early stages, but it's inching closer to reality.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inching closer" when you want to convey a sense of slow but steady progress towards a goal or objective. For example, "After months of negotiations, the two companies are inching closer to a merger agreement."

Common error

While "inching closer" is widely understood, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "progressing gradually" or "approaching steadily" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inching closer" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often acting as part of the predicate in a sentence. It describes the action of gradually moving nearer to something, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "inching closer" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe gradual progress towards a specific goal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in news and media contexts. While appropriate for many situations, it's best to consider more formal alternatives in academic or professional writing to maintain a sophisticated tone. Related phrases, such as "gradually approaching" or "slowly nearing", can offer nuanced variations to express similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradually approaching

Focuses on the gradual aspect of the movement.

slowly nearing

Highlights the slow pace of the approach.

drawing nearer

Emphasizes the reduction in distance.

progressing slowly towards

Highlights the progressive nature of the movement toward a destination.

moving incrementally closer

Stresses the small steps taken.

making headway toward

Implies progress and advancement.

advancing gradually

Highlights that the movement is developing slowly over time.

approaching bit by bit

Emphasizes the piecemeal nature of the approach.

coming closer in stages

Highlights that the approach has different defined steps.

closing the gap

Focuses on reducing the space between the starting point and destination.

FAQs

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

You can use "inching closer" to describe gradual progress toward a goal. For example, "The team is "inching closer" to the championship with each win".

What are some alternatives to "inching closer"?

Alternatives include "gradually approaching", "slowly nearing", or "drawing nearer", each with a slightly different emphasis.

Is "inching closer" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "inching closer" might be considered less formal. In academic or business contexts, consider more formal options like "progressing steadily" or "approaching incrementally".

What does "inching closer" imply about the progress being made?

The phrase "inching closer" suggests that the progress is slow and steady, rather than rapid or dramatic. It implies a gradual and persistent movement toward a specific goal.