moving closer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moving closer" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe physical or metaphorical proximity, such as approaching a location or getting nearer to a goal. Example: "As the deadline approached, she felt herself moving closer to her objectives." Alternative expressions include "drawing nearer" and "getting closer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Moving closer to the table.

The New Yorker

she's not moving closer.

The Guardian - Books

"Kiss me," he commanded, moving closer.

Independent

Investigators are moving closer to Mr. Cohen.

The New York Times

We are moving closer to peace".

The New York Times

And increasingly they are moving closer together.

The Guardian - Tech

Policy-based Internet management approaches are moving closer to maturity.

Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory

NGOs are also moving closer to Dubai's business-oriented thinking.

The Economist

The Socialists responded by moving closer to the nationalists.

The Economist

We seem to be moving closer towards an American model".

The Economist

Others think China is moving closer to the Washington model.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, pair the phrase with a specific prepositional object to provide clarity, such as "moving closer to a resolution" rather than leaving it dangling.

Common error

Do not use the adverb 'closely' when you mean to indicate a reduction in distance. While 'moving closely' might describe the manner of movement (e.g., following someone in tight proximity), "moving closer" is the correct comparative form used to describe the act of nearing a destination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moving closer" functions primarily as a present participle phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it serves as a dynamic description of an ongoing action where the distance between the subject and a target is decreasing. It is frequently used both as a main verb phrase (with an auxiliary) and as a participial modifier.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

15%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "moving closer" is a highly versatile and grammatically robust phrase. Ludwig AI identifies it as a Very common expression that transitions seamlessly between literal physical descriptions and abstract metaphorical progress. Whether used in a News & Media report to describe geopolitical shifts or in a Science journal to track experimental data, it conveys a sense of steady advancement. Because it is universally accepted across all registers, writers can use it with confidence to describe any scenario involving the narrowing of a gap, whether that gap is measured in miles, time or agreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

getting closer

A slightly more informal but very common alternative.

drawing nearer

Often used for events or time-based milestones approaching.

approaching

A more direct, single-word verb for physical or metaphorical advancement.

closing in

Suggests a more targeted or aggressive movement toward a specific point.

advancing toward

Implies steady, often planned progress toward a objective.

making progress toward

Focuses on the achievement aspect rather than physical movement.

narrowing the gap

Used specifically when comparing two positions or competing sides.

inching forward

Emphasizes slow and gradual movement.

verging on

Used when the subject is nearly reaching a specific state or condition.

converging

Suggests multiple entities moving toward the same central point.

FAQs

Is "moving closer" formal enough for business reports?

Yes, "moving closer" is a neutral and professional phrase. For even more formal contexts, you might consider "approaching" or "advancing toward".

What is the difference between "moving closer" and "getting closer"?

"moving closer" often implies an active process or a physical shift, whereas "getting closer" is slightly more colloquial and can feel more passive.

How do I use "moving closer" in a sentence about progress?

You can use it to describe reaching a milestone, such as: "The two nations are "moving closer" to a trade agreement" or "The research team is "moving closer to a breakthrough"".

Can "moving closer" describe time?

While technically correct, it is more idiomatic to use "drawing nearer" or "approaching" when referring to an upcoming date or event.