time is close to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time is close to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a particular moment or event is approaching or imminent. Example: "The deadline for the project is approaching; time is close to running out for us to submit our work."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

She tells me that much of the memory vault from that time is close to empty.

The Guardian

In the case of stargazing, that adjustment time is close to 20 minutes.

The Washington Post

For the second one, we propose control design where the distribution of state variable at transient time is close to the target distribution.

IFAC-PapersOnLine

The results show that the calculated upper bound for the dwell time is close to the lower bound of the dwell time observed by simulations.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

When cricket matches are aired, the average viewing time is close to 90 minutes because the matches are longer than typical sporting events.

The New York Times

For a metal Slinky with 86 masses, the estimated time is close to that previously obtained by a continuous elastic analysis.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

When night ventilation operation time is closer to active cooling time, the efficiency of night ventilation is higher.

Solar Energy

The person whose time is closest to the minute the clock stops, whether over or under, wins the money.

The New York Times

"In Time" is closer to "Gattaca" and plays like something of a self-conscious, often clever amendment to that earlier film.

The New York Times

'Didn't happen to win this time' is closer to the truth.

BBC

If all three functions are needed in an operation the total time is closer to 9 seconds.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "time is close to", ensure that the context clearly defines the specific time or event being referenced. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity in your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "time is close to" when a more precise measurement of time is available. Using this phrase when exact figures are known can make the writing seem vague or imprecise. Instead, provide the specific time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time is close to" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating the proximity of a particular time or event. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase suggests that a specific moment is nearing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "time is close to" is a grammatically correct and relatively common way to express that a specific time or event is approaching. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While it appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts, its neutral register makes it appropriate for various settings. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines the specific time being referenced and avoid using it when precise measurements are available, as this may create an impression of vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time is nearing

This alternative directly substitutes "close to" with "nearing", emphasizing the approach of a specific time.

time is approaching

This alternative uses "approaching" instead of "close to", highlighting the gradual coming closer to a point in time.

time is drawing near

Replaces "close to" with "drawing near", suggesting a gradual and often anticipated approach of a time.

time is almost here

This alternative implies imminence, suggesting that the time is very near or about to arrive.

the hour is at hand

This alternative is a more formal or literary way of saying that the time is very near.

the moment is near

Substituting "time" with "moment", this alternative focuses on a specific point in time.

the deadline is looming

Uses "looming" to emphasize that a deadline is approaching in a possibly threatening or concerning way.

the end is in sight

This alternative refers to the approaching conclusion of something, not just a point in time.

we're getting close

Shifts to a more conversational tone indicating progress towards a temporal goal.

the time frame is tight

Indicates that the available time is limited, rather than the proximity of a time.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "time is close to"?

You can use alternatives like "time is nearing", "time is approaching", or "time is drawing near" depending on the context.

Is "time is close to" formal or informal?

The phrase "time is close to" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "the hour is at hand" may be preferable in certain situations.

What does "time is close to" mean?

The phrase "time is close to" means that a specific point in time or event is approaching or imminent. It indicates that something is about to happen soon.

How accurate is the phrase "time is close to"?

The accuracy of "time is close to" depends on the context. It suggests an approximation, so it's best used when a precise time isn't necessary or available. Use specific measurements of time for precision.