to approach

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to approach" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You would use it when you want to describe the act of moving closer to someone or something. For example: "He slowly approached the door, cautiously stepping one foot in front of the other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She's really easy to approach".

The New York Times - Sports

Research whom to approach.

The Guardian

One began to approach.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It is very easy to approach them.

The New Yorker

There are many ways to approach "Lear".

The New York Times

Louis XV forbade him to approach Paris.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Few subjects are trickier to approach.

The New Yorker

He's going to approach it differently.

The New York Times - Sports

I was reluctant to approach Cunningham.

The New Yorker

There are two ways to approach "Travesties".

The New York Times

Prostitutes today hesitate to approach doctors.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to approach" in formal writing, ensure the context is clear and the subject of the approach is well-defined. For example, "The team decided how to approach the new project" provides a clear understanding of the action and its object.

Common error

Avoid using "to approach" without specifying what is being approached. For instance, instead of saying "We need to approach carefully", specify the subject: "We need to approach the negotiation carefully."

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to approach" primarily functions as a verbal, capable of acting as a noun, adjective, or adverb within a sentence. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing actions and intentions. According to Ludwig AI, it's a correct phrase used to describe movement closer to something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

25%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to approach" is a versatile and grammatically sound infinitive phrase commonly used to describe moving closer, dealing with a problem, or considering a specific method. As evidenced by Ludwig's numerous examples and supported by Ludwig AI's correctness assessment, this phrase appears frequently in news media, wiki articles, and scientific publications. While its register is generally neutral, ensuring clarity by specifying the subject of the approach is crucial, and it is important to avoid vagueness by defining what or whom is being approached.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to come near

Focuses on the physical act of getting closer.

to move toward

Emphasizes the direction of movement.

to draw closer

Highlights a gradual reduction in distance.

to tackle

Implies addressing a problem or task directly.

to handle

Focuses on the manner of dealing with a situation.

to address

Suggests bringing something to attention or dealing with it.

to consider

Highlights the act of thinking about something carefully.

to undertake

Implies taking on a responsibility or task.

to set about

Highlights the start of an action or task.

to make advances toward

Emphasizes proactive steps taken to get closer to a goal or person.

FAQs

How can I use "to approach" in a sentence?

You can use "to approach" to describe the act of moving closer to something, like "He began "to approach the house"". It can also mean to start dealing with something, such as "She decided "to approach the problem" from a different angle".

What's the difference between "to approach" and "to address"?

"To approach" generally means to move closer or begin dealing with something. "To address", on the other hand, specifically means to give attention to or deal with a matter. You might "to approach a problem" cautiously, then "to address the issue" directly.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "to approach"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "to come near", "to move toward", or "to tackle". The best choice depends on whether you're talking about physical movement or dealing with an issue.

Is it always necessary to specify what you are approaching?

While it's not grammatically required, specifying what you are approaching often adds clarity. Saying "They need "to approach the task carefully"" is more informative than simply saying "They need "to approach carefully"".