is getting closer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is getting closer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something is approaching or becoming nearer in time, distance, or relationship. Example: "As the deadline approaches, the project is getting closer to completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is getting closer".

The New York Times

"He is getting closer.

Independent

But it is getting closer.

The Economist

But he is getting closer.

The New York Times

She is getting closer.

The New York Times

Rouhani, at #24, is getting closer.

The Guardian

She believes that she is getting closer.

The New York Times

Seracini is sure he is getting closer.

The New York Times - Magazine

Instead, he is getting closer and closer.

The New York Times

program, and the end game is getting closer".

The New York Times

Some sort of break-up is getting closer.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "is nearing" or "is approaching" to avoid repetition, especially in longer texts.

Common error

Avoid using "is getting closer" when you mean 'is close'. "Is getting closer" indicates movement or progression, not a static state. For instance, instead of saying "The destination is getting closer", when you are already there, say "The destination is close".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is getting closer" functions as a progressive verb phrase indicating an ongoing process of approximation. It describes how something is advancing towards a specific point or state. Ludwig AI shows many examples of this phrase being used to depict approaching deadlines, goals, or events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is getting closer" is a versatile and commonly used expression that indicates progress and the reduction of distance, whether in physical space, time, or abstract goals. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and broad applicability make it suitable for various writing contexts, maintaining a neutral tone. While alternatives like "is approaching" or "is nearing" exist, "is getting closer" effectively conveys the sense of an ongoing movement towards a specific endpoint. Remember to use it to highlight progress rather than describe a static state of proximity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is nearing

Emphasizes the approach in time or distance, implying a continuous movement toward a point.

is approaching

Similar to 'is nearing', but can also refer to the beginning of an event or deadline.

is drawing nearer

Implies a gradual and often inevitable approach, adding a sense of anticipation or foreboding.

is coming closer

Focuses on the movement and reduction of distance between two points.

is becoming imminent

Highlights the impending nature of an event, suggesting it will happen very soon.

is on the horizon

Suggests that something is not immediately present but is likely to appear in the near future.

is within reach

Focuses on the attainability of a goal or objective, implying it is close to being achieved.

is in sight

Indicates that a goal or destination can be seen or anticipated, often after a long effort.

is on track

Suggests that progress is being made according to a plan or schedule, bringing the final outcome closer.

is shaping up

Implies that something is developing positively and moving toward a favorable conclusion.

FAQs

How can I use "is getting closer" in a sentence?

The phrase "is getting closer" is used to indicate that something is approaching or becoming nearer. For example, "The deadline "is getting closer", so we need to finish the report" or "The summer vacation "is getting closer", I can almost taste the coconut already!".

What are some alternatives to "is getting closer"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "is approaching", "is nearing", or "is drawing nearer" to convey a similar meaning. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to express.

Which is correct, "is getting closer" or "is getting more close"?

"Is getting closer" is the correct and more natural phrasing. "Is getting more close" is redundant because 'closer' already implies a comparative state.

What is the difference between "is getting closer" and "is close"?

"Is getting closer" indicates a process of approaching, whereas "is close" describes a current state of nearness. For example, "The launch date "is getting closer"" means the launch date is approaching, but "The launch date is close" means it is already near.