it is nearing

USAGE SUMMARY

'it is nearing' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to indicate that an event or time is getting closer. For example: "It is nearing the end of the school year, and I am so excited to finally have some free time!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Even though "The Hire" and "The Transporter" deliver wind-through-your-scalp thrills, there are some who think that -- like Britney Spears's acting career, a plague of locusts or commercials that turn into pop songs -- ad campaigns that become movies are a sure sign that Civilization as We Know It is nearing its end.

The New York Times

So far, Key and Peele have evolved together within their happy comedy marriage, but it is still subject to all the normal pressures of a marriage (pulling in different directions, wanting different things), and many people close to them, including Zadak, have suggested that it is nearing its natural end.

The New Yorker

The path then cuts across a small slice of sparsely populated northern Uganda and northern Kenya and as it is nearing its end, crosses over into southern Ethiopia.

Huffington Post

If the desired outcome here is to indeed "start conversations," might I remind Airbnb the conversation was well and truly started a long time ago, and if anything, it is nearing its inevitable conclusion.

Vice

The U.S. negotiating team strove to include the key interests of all the involved parties into its framework, and it is nearing the moment of truth where both Abbas and Netanyahu will need to affix their names to the agreement and pledge to sincerely continue on in negotiations toward legitimate compromise.

Huffington Post

The plane sounds like it is nearing the end of its life.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

The group's first album, "Straight Outta Compton" has sold nearly 500,000 copies in just six weeks, while the solo album by N.W.A leader Eazy-E, "Eazy-Duz-It," is nearing the 650,000 mark.

Los Angeles Times

It was nearing midnight.

The New Yorker

It was nearing 2 a.m.

The New York Times - Sports

It was nearing last call.

The New York Times

IT WAS nearing midnight when Pat Cox snapped.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something that is close to ending, pair "it is nearing" with a description of the current state or the expected outcome to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "it is nearing" with indefinite timeframes like "it is nearing sometime soon". Be specific about the time frame (e.g., "it is nearing the end of the quarter") to avoid vagueness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is nearing" functions as a verbal phrase, indicating that something is in the process of approaching a specific time, event, or state. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is nearing" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the approaching of a specific time, event, or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in news, media, science, and formal business settings. It conveys a sense of anticipation and can be used to prepare the audience for what is coming. While generally neutral in register, it's best to avoid vague timeframes and be specific for clarity. Alternative phrases include "it is approaching" and "it is drawing near". The phrase is considered common, with examples found across numerous authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is approaching

Focuses more on the action of getting closer rather than just being close.

it is drawing near

Emphasizes anticipation or a sense of something coming closer.

it is getting close

More informal, indicating a decrease in distance, literally or figuratively.

it is on the horizon

Highlights that something is expected or anticipated soon.

it is coming up

Suggests that a scheduled event or deadline is approaching.

it is in sight

Indicates that the end of something is visible and not far away.

it is imminent

Emphasizes that something is about to happen very soon.

it is around the corner

Similar to "coming up" but can also refer to something that is not necessarily scheduled.

it is shaping up

Describes progress but focuses on the gradual formation of something.

it is evolving into

Highlights the process of transformation and nearing a different state.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is nearing" to indicate that a specific time, event, or goal is approaching. For example, "it is nearing completion" or "it is nearing midnight".

What are some alternatives to "it is nearing"?

Some alternatives include "it is approaching", "it is drawing near", or "it is getting close", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "it is nearing" and "it is near"?

"It is near" indicates proximity in space or time, while "it is nearing" suggests a process of getting closer. For example, "the station is near" versus "it is nearing the station".

When is it appropriate to use "it is nearing" in formal writing?

It's appropriate in formal writing when you need to emphasize the progression towards a specific point or time. For example, "it is nearing the deadline", which suggests a gradual approach to the final date.