is looming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is looming" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means that something is approaching or impending. You can use it to describe a situation or event that is about to happen in the near future. Example: The deadline for the project is looming and we need to finish it soon. In this sentence, "is looming" emphasizes that the deadline is coming up and we need to act quickly.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Double tuition is looming.

The New York Times

AN ELECTION is looming.

The Economist

War is looming.

The New York Times - Arts

AN UGLY showdown is looming.

The Economist

A government shutdown is looming.

The Economist

Yet the issue is looming.

The New York Times - Science

The comparison is looming.

The New York Times - Sports

The N.B.A. is looming.

The New York Times - Sports

Sports day is looming!

The Guardian

But change is looming.

The New York Times

"The end is looming".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is looming" to create a sense of anticipation or unease about an upcoming event or situation, particularly when the outcome is uncertain or potentially negative.

Common error

Avoid using "is looming" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "is coming" or "is happening soon" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is looming" functions as a verb phrase indicating an event or situation that is imminent and often carries a sense of threat or importance. As Ludwig examples show, it's frequently used to describe deadlines, crises, or significant changes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is looming" is a versatile and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe events or situations that are approaching, often with a sense of anticipation or potential threat. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage in written English.

As shown by the many examples Ludwig provides, the phrase is most frequently used in news and media contexts to draw attention to significant upcoming events, such as elections, economic shifts, or potential crises. While appropriate for formal writing, it should be used sparingly in informal contexts where simpler alternatives may suffice. Related phrases include "is approaching", "is imminent", and "is on the horizon", each carrying slightly different nuances. Remember to use "is looming" to create a sense of anticipation and highlight the potential impact of the upcoming event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is approaching

Replaces "looming" with a more general term for nearness in time.

is imminent

Indicates that something is about to happen very soon.

is on the horizon

Uses a visual metaphor to suggest something is coming into view.

is drawing near

Similar to "approaching" but emphasizes a gradual movement closer.

is brewing

Implies that something is developing and about to become significant, often with negative connotations.

is shaping up

Suggests that something is taking form and becoming inevitable.

is gathering momentum

Indicates that something is growing in force and is likely to happen.

is in the cards

Suggests an event is likely or destined to occur.

is just around the corner

Emphasizes the short amount of time left until an event.

threatens to happen

Specifically conveys the sense of a negative event that may occur.

FAQs

How can I use "is looming" in a sentence?

Use "is looming" to describe an event or situation that is approaching and potentially threatening or significant. For example, "The deadline "is looming"" or "A crisis "is looming"."

What's the difference between "is looming" and "is approaching"?

"Is looming" suggests a sense of something large and potentially ominous approaching, while "is approaching" is a more neutral term for something getting closer in time or space.

Are there synonyms for "is looming" that I can use to diversify my writing?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "is imminent", "is on the horizon", or "is drawing near" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "is looming" in formal writing?

Yes, "is looming" is suitable for formal writing, especially in news reports or analytical articles where you want to convey a sense of something significant or potentially problematic approaching. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and frequently used in written English.