the window is closing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the window is closing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an opportunity or chance is diminishing or about to end. Example: "We need to act quickly; the window is closing for us to secure funding for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

The window is closing.

The New Yorker

"The window is closing fast.

The New York Times

Yet the window is closing rapidly.

The New York Times - Sports

But the window is closing on Davies's comeback.

The New York Times - Sports

"The window is closing," she said, wiping her eyes.

The New York Times - Health

"There is still time for negotiation, even if the window is closing".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

When a key is pressed, any additional keys pressed while the window is open are considered part of the combination, while keys pressed after the window is closed are considered a new combination (with a new concurrency window).

Cornell University

But engineers ultimately determined the window was closing, with the launch director saying "recommend we scrub for today" just a few minutes before the deadline.

The Guardian

When offseason training picked up in June, Lightning coach Billy Conlon knew that the window was closing to make the most of a great opportunity for the program.

Los Angeles Times

The window was closed.

The New York Times

"There is a question about the window being closed before we kick off the Premier League season," he said.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: Is it a literal opportunity, a political situation, or a personal chance that is diminishing?

Common error

Avoid using "the window is closing" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with alternatives like "time is running out" or "opportunity is slipping away" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the window is closing" functions as an idiomatic expression, conveying that an opportunity or a period of time to achieve something is coming to an end. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a valid and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the window is closing" is a common and correct way to express that an opportunity is diminishing. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and it appears frequently in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of the context and consider alternatives for variety. Avoid overuse to maintain impact. Use it to create a sense of urgency and encourage decisive action. Remember that while versatile, more casual phrases may fit certain informal situations better.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the window of opportunity is narrowing

More formal and explicit version of the original phrase.

time is running out

Focuses on the scarcity of time remaining.

opportunity is slipping away

Highlights the risk of losing a favorable chance.

the deadline is approaching

Emphasizes the impending end of a specific timeframe.

the clock is ticking

Creates a sense of urgency and impending doom.

our chance is diminishing

Directly states the reduction of a possibility.

the moment is passing

Highlights the fleeting nature of a specific opportunity.

the tide is turning

Suggests a shift that reduces chances of success.

the end is near

Focuses on the nearing conclusion of something.

the situation is deteriorating

Implies worsening conditions that reduce possibilities.

FAQs

How can I use "the window is closing" in a sentence?

You can use "the window is closing" to indicate that an opportunity is diminishing, such as: "We need to act now; "the window is closing" for securing funding."

What does "the window is closing" mean?

It means that a period of opportunity is coming to an end, and the chances of success are decreasing.

What are some alternatives to "the window is closing"?

Alternatives include "time is running out", "opportunity is slipping away", or "the deadline is approaching".

Is "the window is closing" a formal expression?

While usable in various contexts, it's generally considered neutral to slightly formal. For very informal situations, you might choose a more casual phrase like "we're running out of time".