is nearing

USAGE SUMMARY

"is nearing" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is coming close or near in time. For example: "The deadline for the project is nearing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Unemployment is nearing 11%.

The Economist

"The model is nearing exhaustion".

The New Yorker

Her girlhood is nearing its end.

The New Yorker

This year, he is nearing 50 percent.

The New York Times

That time is nearing an end.

The New Yorker

That project is nearing completion.

The New York Times

Ms. Szymborska is nearing 80.

The New York Times - Books

"Our language is nearing extinction.

The Guardian

"Rowland is nearing Nixonian levels.

The New York Times

Now Calzaghe is nearing the end.

The Guardian - Sport

That process is nearing its end.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is nearing" to describe the progression of time, events, or physical proximity. For example, "The project deadline is nearing", indicating the deadline is approaching soon.

Common error

Avoid using "is nearing" in very informal contexts where a more colloquial phrase like "is getting close" might be more appropriate. "Is nearing" suits a slightly more formal or neutral tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is nearing" functions as a progressive verb phrase, indicating an action that is in progress and approaching a specific point or state. It combines the auxiliary verb "is" with the present participle "nearing". Ludwig shows that this construction is commonly used to describe the approach of deadlines, temperatures, or completions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is nearing" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe something approaching a specific point in time, quantity, or physical space. According to Ludwig, it is frequently used in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. When writing, keep in mind that while "is nearing" is generally appropriate for neutral to formal contexts, more colloquial phrases might be better suited for casual communication. Remember that it emphasizes the process of approaching rather than the final state itself. By understanding these nuances, you can use "is nearing" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is approaching

Replaces 'nearing' with 'approaching', maintaining the sense of something getting closer.

is about to

Implies that something will happen very soon.

is drawing near

Uses a slightly more formal tone to convey the idea of something approaching.

is almost

Expresses that something is very close to a particular state or condition.

is getting close to

Offers a more casual alternative to 'nearing', emphasizing proximity.

is on the verge of

Indicates that something is very close to happening or being completed.

is finalizing

Emphasizes the action of completing or finishing something that is already near the finish line.

is bordering on

Suggests a similarity that is close, like two states that share a boundary.

is concluding

Indicates an ending process, usually related to events or discussions.

is virtually

Indicates nearness to a certain state of being.

FAQs

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

You can use "is nearing" to indicate that something is approaching in time, quantity, or physical proximity. For example, "The end of the year is nearing", "The temperature is nearing 100 degrees", or "The ship is nearing the shore".

What can I say instead of "is nearing"?

You can use alternatives like "is approaching", "is drawing near", or "is getting close to" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "is nearing" or "is near to"?

"Is nearing" is generally more concise and preferred. "Is near to" is grammatically correct but can sound slightly awkward in many contexts. "Is nearing" directly conveys the sense of approaching, while "is near to" focuses more on proximity.

What's the difference between "is nearing" and "is almost"?

"Is nearing" suggests a process of approaching a state or time, while "is almost" indicates a state that is very close to being reached. For example, "The project is nearing completion" implies the project is in the process of finishing, whereas "The project is almost complete" states it is very close to the finished state.