is getting nearer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is getting nearer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is approaching or coming closer in time or distance. Example: "The deadline for the project is getting nearer, so we need to finalize our plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"But I also sense the end of the regime is getting nearer and nearer".

The New Yorker

The stakes are high in Washington's fiscal showdown and the deadline for raising the nation's debt ceiling is getting nearer.

The New York Times

And as the year draws to a close, there is little sign that Europe is getting nearer to resolving it in a decent manner.

Independent

A refrain, repeated on each page as each new animal is alerted, is perfect for read-aloud merriment: "He is getting nearer...

The New York Times - Books

Mr Carney has been one of the more dovish members within the central banks ranks, so when traders see comments like 'the start of BoE rate increases is getting nearer' and an 'acute need for vigilance on housing market' they react.

The Guardian - Business

The freak show is getting nearer, and we finally have a good look at its wild cast of characters.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

This is getting near the end of my talk.

Cornell University

One o'clock means it is getting near the end of the workday.

The New York Times

He is 34 now, and that is getting near the limit even for the quieter kind of enfant terrible.

The Guardian

Mahmoud Hamza, a senior official of the Qaddafi Foreign Ministry, acknowledged in a phone call at 1 a.m. local time on Monday that "it is getting near the end now".

The New York Times

Broadcaster, writer and journalist Clive James has admitted he is "getting near the end", two years after being diagnosed with cancer.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To increase impact, use this phrase where the context includes a sense of time pressure, for example, "The exam date is getting nearer, so study diligently."

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "is getting nearer" without specifying the "what" or "why". Instead, provide concrete details about the subject approaching to maintain clear imagery and context for readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is getting nearer" primarily functions as a verb phrase, specifically a progressive aspect, indicating an ongoing process of approaching. It modifies a noun or pronoun, describing its state of becoming closer in time or space, much like the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is getting nearer" serves to describe the process of approaching a destination or event either physically or metaphorically. According to Ludwig, it's considered grammatically correct and has a neutral tone. While not extremely common, its usage spans across news, academic and scientific domains. For alternative phrasing, consider ""is approaching"" or "is drawing near".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is approaching

Emphasizes the act of coming closer in time or space.

is drawing near

Suggests that something is imminent or about to happen.

is coming closer

Highlights the progressive reduction in distance.

is looming

Implies a sense of anticipation, often with a negative connotation.

is on the horizon

Indicates that something is likely to happen in the future.

is in sight

Suggests that a goal or endpoint is visible or achievable.

is just around the corner

Indicates something will happen very soon.

is shaping up

Suggests that something is developing and progressing well.

is on its way

Implies that something is in transit or in progress.

is in the pipeline

Suggests that something is in development and expected to be released.

FAQs

What does "is getting nearer" mean?

The phrase "is getting nearer" means that something is approaching or coming closer in time or distance. It suggests a decrease in separation between two points or events.

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

You can use "is getting nearer" to describe the approach of a deadline, a physical location, or an event. For example, "The deadline "is approaching"", or "The destination "is coming closer"".

What can I say instead of "is getting nearer"?

You can use alternatives like ""is approaching"", "is drawing near", or ""is coming closer"" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is getting nearer" or "is getting closer"?

Both "is getting nearer" and "is getting closer" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often depends on stylistic preference or the specific nuance you want to convey.