is near

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is near' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to convey closeness in physical or temporal terms. For example, "The beach is near," or "His birthday is near."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

"Our day is near".

The New Yorker

"That moment is near".

The New York Times

The "n" is near.

The New York Times - Tech

The end is near but not clear.

The New York Times - Sports

May 2013: The end is near.

Independent

The future is near!

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Inflation is near-zero.

The Economist

A nine is near-perfect.

The New Yorker

It is near-kitsch.

The Guardian - Arts

Really though, the ensemble is near- flawless.

Independent

Unemployment is nearing 11%.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is near" to indicate that something is physically close or will happen soon. Consider the context to ensure the level of formality matches your writing style. This phrase works well in both formal and informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "near" when "nearby" is more appropriate. "Near" describes a state of closeness, while "nearby" describes a location. For example, say "The store is nearby" instead of "The store is near" to indicate its location.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is near" functions primarily as a predicate, indicating a state of proximity, whether in physical space or in time. As Ludwig AI explains, it conveys closeness. The examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is near" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate proximity in both time and space. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It enjoys widespread use, particularly in News & Media, Encyclopedia articles and Wiki, and maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. Alternatives such as "is approaching" or "is imminent" can provide subtle variations in meaning. Remember to differentiate its meaning from the location based phrase "is nearby". As shown by Ludwig's examples, mastering its usage contributes to clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is approaching

Indicates something is getting closer in time or space, often with a sense of anticipation or inevitability.

is just around the corner

Indicates that something is very close in time, often with a sense of excitement or anticipation.

is imminent

Suggests that something is about to happen very soon, often with a sense of urgency or importance.

is on the verge of

Suggests that something is about to happen, often implying a critical point or transition.

is forthcoming

Implies that something is going to happen or be provided in the near future, often used in formal contexts.

is drawing close

Similar to 'is approaching' but with a more poetic or evocative tone.

is on the horizon

Suggests that something is likely to happen in the future but may not be immediate.

is not far off

Indicates that something will happen soon, providing a less formal alternative.

is in close proximity

Emphasizes the physical closeness of something, often used in technical or scientific contexts.

is within reach

Suggests that something is attainable or achievable in the near future.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is near" can be used to describe something that is physically close, such as "The station is near", or something that is close in time, such as "The end of the year is near".

What are some alternatives to "is near"?

You can use alternatives like "is approaching", "is imminent", or "is forthcoming" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is near to" instead of "is near"?

While not incorrect, adding "to" after "is near" is often redundant. It's generally more concise and grammatically sound to simply use "is near". For example, "The park is near" is preferable to "The park is near to".

What is the difference between "is near" and "is nearby"?

"Is near" describes a state of closeness or proximity, while "is nearby" typically refers to a location. For example, "The house is near the river" indicates closeness, whereas "There's a store nearby" specifies location.