we are nearing

USAGE SUMMARY

"we are nearing" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that something is coming closer, almost ready or about to happen. For example: We are nearing the end of the semester, and our final exams are just around the corner.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

WE are nearing the end of proxy season, that once-a-year moment when shareholders can speak their minds, sort of, to the officers and directors overseeing their companies.

The New York Times

We are nearing Social Security's greatest test.

The New York Times

"We are nearing in some way a turning point in the euro zone crisis".

The New York Times

Mind you, he does think we are nearing the end-game.

The Economist

"Truly, we are nearing the edge of the abyss," he said.

The New York Times

"We are nearing the meat of our season, where some things will be defined.

The New York Times - Sports

We are nearing the peak, if we are not there already.

The Guardian

We are nearing stabilization in the economy, and it does look like we'll resume growing in the third quarter".

The New York Times

But after walking down that path for more than a quarter of century, we are nearing our goal.

The Guardian - Opinion

We are nearing the end of February and only a handful of providers have announced increased rates".

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"We are nearing Iron Gate.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are nearing" to convey a sense of anticipation or imminence, particularly when discussing deadlines, milestones, or transitions. For example, "We are nearing the deadline for project submissions" adds a sense of urgency.

Common error

While "we are nearing" is generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "we are approaching" or "we are drawing near to" in highly professional or academic writing to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are nearing" functions as a declarative statement expressing the proximity of a subject ('we') to a particular point, event, or state. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. The examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, from approaching deadlines to significant milestones.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are nearing" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate the approach of a certain event, time, or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability, while cautioning against overuse in highly formal writing. The phrase is commonly found in news and media, science, and business contexts. Alternatives such as "we are approaching" or "we are close to" can be considered for specific stylistic needs. Understanding the subtle differences and contexts where it's most effective will allow writers to convey their intended meaning with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are approaching

Replaces 'nearing' with a synonym that emphasizes the act of coming closer.

we are close to

A simpler way to express proximity to a goal or destination.

we are on the verge of

Indicates being very close to a significant event or change.

we are about to reach

Indicates an imminent arrival or accomplishment.

we are almost at

Emphasizes reaching a specific point or target.

we are drawing near to

A more formal way of saying something is getting closer.

we are coming up on

Suggests an event or deadline is imminent.

we are within reach of

Highlights the attainability of a specific objective.

we are in sight of

Implies a goal is visible and within reach.

the end is in sight

Focuses specifically on the conclusion of something.

FAQs

How can I use "we are nearing" in a sentence?

You can use "we are nearing" to indicate that something is coming closer, either in time, distance, or progress. For example, "We are nearing the completion of the project" or "We are nearing the city limits".

What are some alternatives to "we are nearing"?

Some alternatives include "we are approaching", "we are drawing near", "we are close to", and "we are on the verge of" depending on the specific context.

Is "we are nearing" formal or informal?

"We are nearing" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for most professional and academic contexts, but very formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "we are approaching".

What's the difference between "we are nearing" and "we are reaching"?

"We are nearing" implies that you're getting closer to something, while "we are reaching" suggests that you're about to arrive at or achieve it. Nearing is about proximity, while reaching is about arrival or attainment. You may also consider "we are about to reach".