nearly expiring

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nearly expiring" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is close to its expiration date or about to become invalid or unusable. Example: "The milk in the fridge is nearly expiring, so we should use it soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Kimball concedes the trip was "totally ill advised," particularly in light of the group's nearly expiring of thirst after taking a detour through the Sahara — Kimball recalls passing dead camels — and being taken prisoner after speeding through a Congolese Army roadblock.

The New York Times - Magazine

Morgan responded on Tuesday, saying, "Mock all you want Mr. Oliver, but, my fellow Brit, your punch line did carry with it a bona fide offer, to anyone you said, who could produce the video of me falling off a Segway, and by the way, breaking five ribs, collapsing a lung and nearly expiring from life".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

She will have bundled them up and thought to bring nourishment — formula or the breast milk that Liz pumps every evening; her breasts have nearly expired, she thinks, they've hit their expiration date.

The New Yorker

She will have bundled them up and thought to bring nourishment formula or the breast milk that Liz pumps every evening; her breasts have nearly expired, she thinks, they've hit their expiration date.

The New Yorker

In February, the French Senate unanimously voted to ban large grocers from throwing away food that's approaching its expiration date, instead requiring the retailers to compost or donate unsold and nearly expired goods to charity.

Huffington Post

Triumphant tremors overtake these limbs; clerk gasps, nearly expired.

Princeton University

Besides, his time as a sex symbol has nearly expired.

The New York Times - Arts

She had used a nearly expired typewriter ribbon.

The New York Times - Magazine

Prosecutors did not pursue the case because the statute of limitations had nearly expired.

The New York Times

The 20th century had nearly expired before bronzed cowpokes got their due.

The New York Times

That reprieve has nearly expired, and most of the patients have not taken steps to seek treatment elsewhere.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing food or perishable goods, use "nearly expiring" to prompt quick action. For example, "The milk is nearly expiring; use it for baking today."

Common error

While acceptable, "nearly expiring" can sound informal in professional documents. Opt for phrases like "approaching expiration" or "close to the deadline" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nearly expiring" typically functions as a descriptive element, often modifying a noun to indicate proximity to an expiration date or deadline. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "nearly expiring" is a grammatically correct way to describe something close to its expiration date or deadline. Though not extremely frequent, Ludwig shows its usage in contexts like news and media, conveying a sense of immediacy and prompting action. While acceptable in most scenarios, more formal alternatives like "approaching expiration" might be preferable in professional settings. Ludwig AI validates the correctness and usability of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Almost expired

Indicates the item or period is very close to its expiration or end.

Close to expiring

Similar to "nearly expiring", emphasizing the proximity to the expiration date.

Approaching expiration

More formal, suggesting a process of nearing the expiration date.

Soon to expire

Simple and direct way to state the expiration is coming up.

Nearing its end

Broader term, applicable to periods or concepts coming to a close.

On the verge of expiring

Emphasizes the imminence of the expiration.

About to lapse

Specifically for something like a membership or agreement.

Almost reaching the deadline

Focuses on the deadline aspect rather than a general expiration.

Drawing to a close

More figurative, suitable for abstract concepts like a project or era.

Running out of time

Highlights the limited time remaining before expiration or deadline.

FAQs

How can I use "nearly expiring" in a sentence?

You can use "nearly expiring" to describe items or periods close to their end, such as "The coupons are nearly expiring, so use them this week" or "The statute of limitations had "nearly expired" in Laura's case".

What's a more formal alternative to "nearly expiring"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "approaching expiration", "close to the deadline", or "drawing to a close" instead of "nearly expiring".

What's the difference between "nearly expiring" and "expired"?

"Nearly expiring" means something is close to its expiration date, while "expired" means it has already passed its expiration date and is no longer valid or usable.

Can "nearly expiring" be used for abstract concepts?

Yes, "nearly expiring" can be used for abstract concepts such as contracts or agreements, but it's more common to use phrases like "nearing its end" or "about to lapse".