is nearing the finish line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is nearing the finish line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a project, task, or process is close to completion. Example: "After months of hard work, our project is nearing the finish line, and we expect to present it next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

General Motors is nearing the finish line in its historic sprint through the bankruptcy process, with a key hearing scheduled for Tuesday on a plan to sell the automaker's best assets to a new government-controlled company.

Forbes

I've lived through a lot of live blogs in my life, mostly by the skin of my teeth, desperately watching as my battery ticks down, hoping desperately that the company is nearing the finish line.

TechCrunch

The administration is nearing the finish line in negotiations of the Trans Pacific Partnership, an agreement with 11 Pacific Rim nations, including Japan and perhaps South Korea and others.

Huffington Post

The world is a more dangerous place and I fear for the future - not my own, as my life is nearing the finish line, but for those who follow me, including my precious grandchildren.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Despite the uncertainty, Mr. Franken said Tuesday that the race was nearing the "finish line".

The New York Times

Universities are nearing the finish line of a six-year race for research funding.

The Guardian

The Yankees are nearing the finish line in negotiations for Jason Giambi, and from all indications, they are going to sign him.

The New York Times - Sports

Dr. Natalie Stavas, a pediatric resident at Boston Children's Hospital, was running in the marathon with her father and was nearing the finish line when the explosions shook the street.

The New York Times

In recent weeks, as the tax bill was nearing the finish line, there have been reports that Ryan, who is just forty-eight, might retire from the Speaker position at the end of the term and return to Wisconsin.

The New Yorker

Conte may be nearing the finish line.

Forbes

One media outlet reported difficulties, taking stocks lower, but then another outlet reported the negotiations might be nearing the finish line.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is nearing the finish line" when you want to convey a sense of progress and anticipation toward the completion of a task, project, or process, especially when a competitive or challenging aspect is implied. It suggests that the end is in sight and the final effort is being made.

Common error

Avoid using "is nearing the finish line" too frequently in a single piece of writing. While effective, its metaphorical nature can become repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "is approaching completion" or "is drawing to a close" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is nearing the finish line" functions as a verbal phrase indicating that something is in the final stages of completion. Ludwig examples show its use across various contexts to describe progress towards a goal.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is nearing the finish line" effectively conveys that a project, task, or process is close to completion. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct, but should be used judiciously to avoid overuse. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media. Remember to consider synonyms such as "is approaching completion" to add variety to your writing. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can confidently use "is nearing the finish line" to signal progress and anticipation in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is approaching completion

Focuses on the act of completing something, rather than the metaphor of a race.

is drawing to a close

Emphasizes the end of a process or event, suggesting a natural conclusion.

is coming to an end

Similar to "is drawing to a close", but more direct and less figurative.

is in the home stretch

Another racing metaphor, indicating the final part of a task or project.

is on the verge of completion

Highlights the imminence of completion, suggesting it's very close.

is almost complete

A straightforward way of saying something is nearly finished.

is in the final stages

Focuses on the phase of the project or task.

is winding down

Suggests a gradual decrease in activity as something finishes.

is wrapping up

Implies a final stage of tidying and finalizing details.

is on its last legs

Indicates that something is nearing its end, often due to wear or exhaustion.

FAQs

How can I use "is nearing the finish line" in a sentence?

You can use "is nearing the finish line" to indicate that something is close to being completed. For example: "The project "is nearing the finish line" after months of hard work."

What's a less metaphorical way to say "is nearing the finish line"?

Alternatives to "is nearing the finish line" include phrases like "is approaching completion", "is almost complete", or "is drawing to a close". These options offer a more direct way to convey the idea of something nearing completion.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "is nearing the finish line"?

The phrase "is nearing the finish line" is appropriate when you want to emphasize that a project, task, or process is close to its end. It's often used when the final stages require a strong push to complete.

Is "is nearing the finish line" formal or informal?

The phrase "is nearing the finish line" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal settings might benefit from using a less metaphorical alternative like "is approaching completion".