it approaches

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it approaches" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing something that is coming closer in time, space, or concept. Example: "As the deadline approaches, we need to finalize our plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Old Vic theatre is planning a major refurbishment as it approaches its bicentennial year.

The Guardian

The incoming wave packet, its tail extending ahead of it, approaches the chamber.

The New York Times - Science

The whale as it approaches another whale with its penis extruded.

Huffington Post

It approaches the Hitchcockian.

The Guardian - Books

It approaches 4 to 1 today.

The Guardian - Business

What are your thoughts as it approaches?

The New York Times

For the first scientist it approaches 1.

Britannica

How it approaches this will be closely watched.

The New York Times

Indeed, it approaches the ground of High Art.

The Guardian - Film

Instead, it approaches the unwieldy subject of adolescence sideways on.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In its compression it approached perfection.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it approaches" to describe the progression of events or the nearness of a deadline. For example, "As the end of the year approaches, businesses often review their performance."

Common error

Avoid using "it approach" instead of "it approaches". The phrase requires the third-person singular verb form to maintain correct subject-verb agreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it approaches" functions as a verb phrase indicating the progression, nearing, or imminence of a specific event, time, or condition. Ludwig provides numerous examples across various contexts demonstrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

24%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it approaches" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to indicate the nearness or progression of an event, time, or condition. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly found in news, science, and general writing. Ensure subject-verb agreement by using "it approaches", not "it approach". Consider using alternatives like "it nears" or "it draws near" for variety. This phrase is applicable across diverse contexts, with the most frequent appearances in news and media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is nearing

Indicates a state of coming closer, often referring to time or distance.

it is drawing near

Suggests a gradual and often anticipated approach.

it is coming closer

Emphasizes the reduction in distance or time remaining.

it is advancing

Implies a forward movement, often with a sense of purpose or inevitability.

it is progressing

Focuses on the ongoing development or movement towards a goal.

it is on the horizon

Suggests something is imminent or about to happen.

it is looming

Implies a threatening or significant approach.

it is converging

Suggests different elements are moving together towards a single point.

it is forthcoming

Indicates readiness or availability in the near future.

it is shaping up

Emphasizes the development and gradual formation of something.

FAQs

How can I use "it approaches" in a sentence?

You can use "it approaches" to describe the progression or imminence of an event, time, or condition. For example, "As the deadline "draws near", the team is working harder".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "it approaches"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it nears", "it draws near", or "it is coming closer", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it approach" instead of "it approaches"?

No, "it approach" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "it approaches", which uses the third-person singular verb form to agree with the singular subject "it".

What's the difference between "it approaches" and "it is approaching"?

While both phrases are similar, "it approaches" is a more concise way to describe something coming closer or becoming imminent, whereas "it is approaching" emphasizes the continuous action of approaching.