time is fast approaching

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time is fast approaching" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a deadline or important event is nearing. Example: "As the deadline for submissions draws near, I want to remind everyone that time is fast approaching for your final projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Crunch time is fast approaching.

The Guardian - Business

But the time is fast approaching for bold deeds as well as words.

The Economist

The time is fast approaching for him to ask himself whether he really believes he can do it.

The Economist

The time is fast approaching when Mr. Lutz's teaser must be squared with the reality of government-approved ratings.

The New York Times

The prime minister believes the time is fast approaching when Britain should extend its involvement in air strikes against Isis targets from Iraq to Syria.

The Guardian

"It sounds crazy," Willey said, "but the time is fast approaching when certain cyberathletes can actually make a living playing sports on a computer".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

He checked his watch and was thankful that the time was fast approaching when he would have to leave.

The Guardian

In 1999, Philippoussis cracked the top 10 for the first time, and there was a sense that his time was fast approaching.

The Guardian - Sport

We knew the time was fast approaching when I'd have to leave, and we didn't know when we would see each other again.

The Guardian

The time was fast approaching for Secretariat to retire, and his syndicate owners were waiting patiently for his stud career to begin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1908 the revolution of the Young Turks led Balkan statesmen to believe that the time was fast approaching when Macedonia could be wrested from the empire.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time is fast approaching" to create a sense of urgency or anticipation when discussing deadlines, events, or significant milestones. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "time is fast approaching" is grammatically correct, avoid using it excessively in very casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "it's almost here" or "it's coming soon" may be more appropriate and sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time is fast approaching" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the imminence of an event or deadline. It adds a sense of urgency or anticipation. Ludwig AI shows many examples used in news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "time is fast approaching" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey the nearness of an event or deadline. According to Ludwig AI, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. While suitable for various situations, it's best to consider the context and audience to ensure the most appropriate tone. Alternatives such as "the deadline is imminent" or "the moment draws near" can provide nuanced variations in meaning and style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the deadline is imminent

Replaces the more descriptive phrase with a single adjective, heightening the sense of urgency.

the event is upon us

Shifts the focus to the present, emphasizing that the event is about to occur or is already happening.

the moment draws near

Employs a more literary and evocative tone, focusing on the gradual approach of a significant point in time.

the end is in sight

Highlights the nearing conclusion of a process or situation, providing a sense of closure.

the culmination is near

Suggests the approaching climax or high point of a series of events or developments, creating a sense of anticipation.

the hour is nigh

Uses archaic language to create a dramatic and heightened sense of anticipation.

the day is at hand

Emphasizes the accessibility or imminence of a particular day or event, often carrying a sense of significance.

crunch time is coming

Uses a more informal term, "crunch time", to convey the pressure and urgency associated with an approaching deadline.

we're getting down to the wire

Uses a colloquial expression to indicate that a task or project is nearing its final stages, often under pressure.

the future is nearly here

Focuses on the arrival of a future state or development, often used in discussions of technological advancements.

FAQs

What does "time is fast approaching" mean?

It means that a particular event, deadline, or significant moment is drawing near or is about to happen soon.

How can I use "time is fast approaching" in a sentence?

You might say, "The time is fast approaching when we must decide on the next course of action", indicating a decision needs to be made soon.

What can I say instead of "time is fast approaching"?

You can use alternatives like "the deadline is imminent", "the moment draws near", or "the event is upon us" depending on the context.

Is "time is quickly approaching" a suitable alternative to "time is fast approaching"?

Yes, "time is quickly approaching" is a suitable alternative that carries a very similar meaning, though "time is fast approaching" may emphasize a greater sense of urgency.