we're getting close

USAGE SUMMARY

"we're getting close" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express that progress is being made towards a particular goal. Example sentence: We've been searching for the missing item all day, but it looks like we're getting close.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

And, later, "We're getting close".

The New Yorker

"We're getting close," Edinson Volquez said.

The New York Times - Sports

And maybe we're getting close.

The New York Times

We're getting close on that.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're getting close," Scott said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're getting close," Kahne said.

The New York Times - Sports

We're getting close to an hour now.

The Guardian - Business

"Like Butch said, we're getting close.

The New York Times - Sports

"I have a feeling we're getting close to that.

The New York Times - Books

We're getting close to where it's pretty neutral.

The New York Times

"We're getting close to that switch," Ms. Bell said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we're getting close" to create anticipation and signal progress toward a specific objective in professional communications. For example, when reporting on a project's advancement to stakeholders. This helps to reinforce confidence and maintain engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "we're getting close" when absolute precision is required, as it implies approximation rather than exactness. For instance, in scientific reports or legal documents, opt for precise measurements or definitive statements to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we're getting close" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating that progress is being made towards a goal or that something is nearing completion. It is generally used to express optimism and anticipation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Sports

17%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Travel

1%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we're getting close" is a versatile phrase used to communicate progress and anticipation. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news, sports, and business contexts. While more precise language might be necessary in highly formal settings, its general applicability makes it a valuable addition to everyday communication. Related phrases like "we are nearing" or "we are almost there" offer similar connotations but slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are almost there

Emphasizes the proximity to the destination or goal.

we are coming closer

Highlights the gradual reduction of distance.

we are nearing

Focuses on the act of approaching in distance or time.

we are approaching

Similar to nearing, but can also imply an impending event.

we are on the verge

Suggests being at the brink of something happening.

the finish line is near

Similar to "we are almost there", but specific to races or competitions.

we are drawing near

A more formal way of saying nearing.

we are advancing towards

Indicates forward movement to a target.

the end is in sight

Emphasizes that the final stage is visible or foreseeable.

the moment is at hand

Used when referring to the imminence of a significant event.

FAQs

How can I use "we're getting close" in a sentence?

You can use "we're getting close" to indicate progress towards a goal, for example: "After months of hard work,"we're getting close" to launching the new product".

What can I say instead of "we're getting close"?

You can use alternatives like "we are nearing", "we are approaching", or "we are almost there" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "we're getting close" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, in highly formal or technical writing, more precise language might be preferred. However, in many business or news contexts, ""we're getting close"" is perfectly suitable.

What does "we're getting close" imply?

"We're getting close" suggests that the distance, whether physical or metaphorical, between the current state and a desired outcome is decreasing, and the achievement of the goal is imminent.