nearly there

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nearly there" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is close to achieving a goal or reaching a destination. Example: "After hours of driving, we are nearly there; just a few more miles to go."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She is nearly there.

The Economist

…The technology is nearly there.

The New York Times

You're nearly there.

The Guardian - Business

They are nearly there.

The Guardian - Opinion

I was nearly there.

The Guardian - Tech

Ah well, nearly there.

The Guardian

Nearly there, surely.

The Guardian - Travel

We're nearly there now.

The Guardian - Sport

Most are not nearly there yet.

The New York Times

"I was nearly there myself.

The Guardian

The faces were nearly there.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nearly there" to convey encouragement or anticipation when progress is evident but not yet complete. It works well in both formal and informal settings.

Common error

While "nearly there" is a common idiom, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "almost there" or "close to completion" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nearly there" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate proximity to a specific location, goal, or state. Ludwig's examples confirm that it describes being close to achieving something, whether a physical destination or a metaphorical objective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Reference

4%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "nearly there" is a common and correct adverbial phrase used to express that a goal or destination is close at hand. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While grammatically sound and highly versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "almost there" or "close to completion" for variety. The phrase is generally neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal settings, making it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost there

Replaces "nearly" with "almost", a direct synonym indicating close proximity.

nearing completion

Similar to "close to completion" but emphasizes the process of getting closer.

close to completion

Focuses on the state of being near the end of a task or project.

on the verge of finishing

Emphasizes the imminence of reaching the end point.

approaching the end

Highlights the act of getting closer to the final stage.

within reach

Implies that the goal is easily attainable in the near future.

just around the corner

Uses a figurative expression to indicate that the end is very close.

about to arrive

Suggests the imminent arrival at a destination or completion of an event.

drawing near

A more formal way of saying something is getting closer to completion.

in the home stretch

An idiomatic expression signifying the final part of a race or task.

FAQs

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

You can use "nearly there" to indicate that something is close to being finished or achieved. For example: "We've been working on this project for months, but we're "nearly there"."

What can I say instead of "nearly there"?

You can use alternatives like "almost there", "close to completion", or "about to arrive" depending on the context.

Is "nigh there" a valid alternative to "nearly there"?

"Nigh" is an archaic term meaning near. While grammatically valid, using "nigh there" may sound old-fashioned. Opt for more common phrases like "almost there" or "close to completion" for contemporary writing.

Which is correct, "almost there" or "nearly there"?

Both "almost there" and "nearly there" are correct and commonly used. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, as they carry virtually identical meaning.