moving closer to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moving closer to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe physical movement towards something, but can also be used figuratively to describe progress or advancement towards a goal or idea. Example: As the train approached the station, I could feel myself moving closer to my destination. Example: Our company's new marketing strategy is really helping us move closer to our sales goals. Note: In some contexts, the phrase "getting closer to" can also be used interchangeably with "moving closer to."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Moving closer to the table.

The New Yorker

Investigators are moving closer to Mr. Cohen.

The New York Times

We are moving closer to peace".

The New York Times

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

Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory

The Socialists responded by moving closer to the nationalists.

The Economist

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

The Economist

Others think China is moving closer to the Washington model.

The Economist

They have been moving closer to an agreement ever since.

The New York Times - Sports

I think you should start moving closer to the plate".

The New York Times - Magazine

The Americans are gradually moving closer to the capital.

The New York Times

California is moving closer to considering legalization for recreational use.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "moving closer to" figuratively, ensure the context clearly indicates the target or goal being approached. For example, "The company is moving closer to its goal of becoming carbon neutral."

Common error

Avoid using "moving closer to" when the intended meaning is actually diverging or distancing. Ensure the context accurately reflects approaching, not retreating from, a specific target.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moving closer to" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier. It indicates direction and progression, either literally in terms of physical proximity, or figuratively in terms of achieving a goal. The Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "moving closer to" functions as a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote physical or abstract progression towards a target. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts. The phrase sees frequent use in "News & Media", "Science", and academic fields, reflecting its broad applicability. While grammatically straightforward, writers should ensure the context clearly indicates the direction of movement to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

getting nearer to

Emphasizes a gradual reduction in distance, either physically or metaphorically.

drawing closer to

Suggests a gradual and often subtle advancement.

approaching

Focuses on the act of nearing a physical or abstract point.

progressing toward

Highlights advancement and development toward a specific goal.

advancing toward

Implies a more active and deliberate movement forward.

tending toward

Indicates a leaning or inclination in a certain direction.

gravitating toward

Suggests a natural or irresistible pull in a particular direction.

inching toward

Conveys slow, incremental progress.

converging on

Implies separate entities coming together at a single point.

heading in the direction of

Describes the general path or trend.

FAQs

How can I use "moving closer to" in a sentence?

Use "moving closer to" to describe physical approach, like "The car was "moving closer to" the intersection", or figurative progress, such as "The project is "moving closer to" completion".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "moving closer to"?

Alternatives include "approaching", "drawing near", or "progressing towards", each carrying subtle differences in emphasis.

Is it correct to say "getting closer to" instead of "moving closer to"?

Yes, "getting closer to" is often interchangeable with "moving closer to", although "moving closer to" might sound slightly more formal in certain contexts.

What's the difference between "moving closer to" and "converging on"?

"Moving closer to" generally describes a single entity approaching something. In contrast, "converging on" suggests multiple entities coming together at a shared point.